Pune Municipal Corporation has warned residents that cutting, burning or damaging trees during Dussehra without permission can attract a fine of up to Rs 1 lakh under Maharashtra’s tree protection law. The civic body has urged citizens to avoid harming mango, apta, kanchan and shami trees traditionally associated with the festival.
The appeal was issued by the PMC Garden Department ahead of Dussehra. Ashok Ghorpade, in charge of the civic garden department, said residents should protect trees while observing the festival and consider symbolic alternatives that do not involve cutting leaves or branches.
“On the occasion of Dussehra, all the citizens are being appealed not to cut down mango, apta, kanchan, shami or harm any other trees. It is the responsibility of every citizen to protect trees while following the tradition. If possible, alternative symbolic materials should be used without harming the trees,” Ghorpade said.
The civic warning covers both the removal of trees and damage to branches. PMC said residents should report any person found cutting trees, cutting branches or damaging trees without a permit to the concerned regional office.
Citizens can submit complaints through the PMC Care number, 9146383383, the toll-free number 18001030222, the WhatsApp complaint number 9689900002 and the chatbot number 8888251001. Complaints can also be filed online through the PMC complaints website at www.complaints.pmc.gov.in.
The action is based on the Maharashtra (Urban Areas) Preservation of Trees Act, 1975, which applies within the Pune Municipal Corporation jurisdiction. The PMC Tree Authority functions under the state tree preservation law, the Maharashtra (Urban Areas) Tree Preservation and Conservation Rules, 2009, and an order dated September 20, 2013.
Under the Maharashtra (Urban Areas) Protection and Preservation of Trees (Amendment) Act, 2021, burning, cutting down or otherwise harming trees without permission is an offence. According to the civic department, the penalty can equal the value of the tree removed, as determined through a method notified by the state government, subject to a maximum of Rs 1 lakh.
The warning places responsibility on both residents and the civic administration: citizens are expected to report unauthorised damage, while PMC’s regional offices and Tree Authority are responsible for handling complaints under the applicable legal framework. The civic appeal specifically asks residents to follow the festival tradition without removing leaves or branches from standing trees.
