As per the civic body’s environment impact assessment report, the proposed Paud phata – Balbharati link road will have only a marginal impact on the flora and fauna on the stretch it would pass through. The project would be non-polluting and an environmentally sustainable one. The 2.1 km road will pass through a hill known for its rich biodiversity and also its popularity among locals for morning walks. The report has stressed on the need for this road as it would considerably reduce the congestion on Law College road.
The environment impact assessment and the traffic survey study report, prepared by Shrishti Eco-Research Institute for PMC, states that the objective of constructing the road is to reduce the traffic load on Law College road and to avoid losses, delays and air pollution resulting from congestion on the road. The link road originates at Kalewadi junction on Paud road and reaches Bal Bharati traversing a hill.
Listing the possible environmental impact the project would have, the report states that there will be marginal impact on flora, fauna and watershed features during construction phase. While there will be temporary increase in vehicular movement and air pollution on the roads leading to the construction site, pollution after construction may reduce considerably. The report says there will be positive impact on the health of residents of Law College road as air pollution will reduce due to reduction of vehicular traffic. It does note, however, that the construction or filling of ground will lead to accelerated erosion along the construction site.
The construction of the 2.1 km road was proposed by the Pune Municipal Corporation five or six years ago. Earlier this month, the municipal corporation posted a “revised” environment impact statement and traffic survey results study.
