A group ‘Pedestrians First’ has listed certain demands to enhance the greenery in the city and wants the PMC to be strict about the plantation norms. The group has written to Pune municipal commissioner requesting to form stringent norms for tree plantation in the city.
It has been observed that several high rises, which have no space for planting trees, are coming up. The open space they have are either concretized or covered with tiles. Pedestrians first have demanded that the plots should have open spaces for tree plantation and it should be mandatory. The letter states that details about species of trees to be planted should be specified and native species should be given preference. Many plots have planted exotic species that provide less shade and do not support birds or insects. Builders should be required to show details of proposed tree plantation, including the types of trees and area reserved for the same, in the building site plan itself.
‘Pedestrians First’ has also demanded that the PMC should give the building work commencement permission only after the garden department approves the plan. The garden department should check that trees are planted as per the sanctioned plan and in a manner that will allow their proper growth.
