Archive · 11 Jun 2025
Pune Activists Allege ₹125 Crore Scam Against Tree Authority
Imagine the city of Pune has a special team in charge of taking care of trees.
Some people are saying that this team did some bad things with money and trees.
They're accused of losing ₹125 crore and hurting the environment with ₹2,000 crore in damages.
The team didn't keep good track of trees that were cut down and the new trees that were supposed to be planted.
They also let some people avoid paying money that was supposed to be used for planting trees.
It seems like the team might have tried to hide how old the trees were.
Now people are wondering where the money went and if anyone will be held responsible.
Pune activists allege a ₹125 crore financial scam and ₹2,000 crore environmental damage by the PMC's Tree Authority.
Documents reveal mismanagement of tree felling permissions and compensatory plantations, potentially violating environmental laws.
The Tree Authority lacks records of compensatory plantations for the felling of over 22,000 trees.
PMC departments were exempted from depositing funds for tree felling, and proceeds from timber sales are missing.
The average age of felled trees was falsely represented, and developers fail to replant trees due to land shortage.
- Who
- Pune activists are accusing the Pune Municipal Corporation's Tree Authority.
- What
- Allegations of financial mismanagement and environmental damage related to tree management by Pune Municipal Corporation's Tree Authority.
- When
- Between April 2022 and December 2023, and the 2024-25 financial year.
- Where
- Pune, India.
- Why
- Activists are demanding accountability for alleged financial irregularities, environmental damage, and violation of environmental laws.
Activists' Perspective
PMC Perspective
Accountability for Corruption
Activists' Perspective
PMC's Tree Authority is responsible for the alleged corruption and environmental damage, calling for accountability and action.
PMC Perspective
PMC officials claim it's not a fraud but a situation due to the lack of replanting by developers.
- Alleged Financial Mismanagement
- ₹125 crore
- Estimated Environmental Damage
- ₹2,000 crore
- Trees Felled/Transplanted (Apr 2022 - Dec 2023)
- 22,362
- Required Compensatory Plantations
- 3,40,599
- PMC Departments Exempted Deposit
- ₹13.4 crore
- Missing Timber Sale Proceeds
- Large portion missing
- PMC Budget (2024-25)
- ₹10,215 crore