Pune Municipal Corporation’s Parks Department has urged residents not to cut branches or damage trees while collecting Apta leaves traditionally exchanged as “gold” during Dussehra, warning that unauthorised tree cutting can attract a fine of more than ₹1 lakh.
The appeal covers Apta, mango, Kanchan, Shami and other trees that are commonly targeted during Vijayadashami celebrations. The department said residents should observe the festival tradition without harming trees or breaking branches in public and private areas.
According to the Parks Department, unauthorised tree cutting or causing damage to trees is a legal offence under the Maharashtra (Urban Areas) Protection and Preservation of Trees (Amendment) Act, 2022. The municipal administration has warned that those found violating the provisions may face financial penalties exceeding ₹1 lakh.
The warning comes ahead of Dussehra, when Apta leaves are collected and exchanged as a symbolic form of gold. The practice can lead to the indiscriminate removal of branches from Apta and other trees, particularly where residents collect leaves directly from roadside, neighbourhood or open-space trees.
The civic department has asked residents to protect trees while observing the festival and to use symbolic material that does not involve cutting branches or injuring trees. The appeal places responsibility on citizens to preserve the city’s trees while continuing cultural practices.
The notice also asks residents to report unauthorised tree cutting or damage to the Pune Municipal Corporation’s Tree Authority. Complaints can be submitted online through the civic body’s official complaints portal at www.complaints.pmc.gov.in.
The municipal warning highlights the enforcement responsibility involved in protecting Pune’s urban tree cover. Under the law cited by the department, the restriction applies not only to cutting down trees but also to causing damage to them. The Parks Department has therefore asked residents to avoid breaking branches even when collecting a limited number of leaves for Dussehra.
The civic administration’s immediate focus is on preventing tree damage during the festival period and receiving complaints about violations through the designated municipal channel. Residents have been advised to use non-destructive alternatives and report incidents to the Tree Authority as they occur.
