Pune: Tree falling incidents within PMC limits have dropped by 49% between April and Sept this year, compared to the corresponding period in 2024.According to data from the Pune fire brigade, 771 tree falling incidents were reported between April and Sept 2025, compared to 1,509 incidents last year during the same period. However, the number remains on the higher side when compared to tree falling incidents reported during the same months in 2022 (751) and 2023 (739).However, with a red alert sounded for Pune on Monday and rain still ongoing, the administration is on alert.Ashok Ghorpade, head of the garden department of Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), told TOI that they started precautionary works early this year. “In 2024, we started tree pruning and removal of dead trees in late May. This year, however, we began in early April. A public notice was issued for residents, including housing societies, via our 15 ward offices to report about trees that needed pruning and for the removal of those that were dead. As the work began early, we had ample time,” he said.The official, however, said the plantation of exotic non-native trees is still an issue. “Within old limits of PMC, there are 57 lakh trees; 70% of them are exotic ones that were planted a long time ago. We have been working towards a plan to only plant native trees henceforth. For this, we have been conducting an annual drive between June 5 and Aug 15, when saplings of native trees are distributed and planted. In our nurseries, too, all saplings now belong to native trees. Through our ward offices, information on the same is being given to different housing societies,” Ghorpade said.Environmentalists pointed out that non-native and exotic trees have a weak wood structure even if their growth is faster. On the other hand, native trees, which take time to grow, are stronger. Dr Sachin Anil Punekar, conservation biologist, told TOI, “There has been an issue with the construction of concrete hardscapes around trees. This affected the growth of the roots as there is not enough soil around. PMC needed to look into this seriously. Also, the pruning of the trees needed to be done scientifically, as they have their own balance system. Incorrect pruning can result in the canopy of the tree become vulnerable to the weight.”Punekar further cautioned, “The tree authority needs to conduct a proper tree health audit in its jurisdiction. Visual inspections for signs of disease, pests, decay, rotting or damage of individual trees needs to be performed.” GFXNUMBERS HIGHER THAN 2022 & 2023Data from Pune fire brigade (see table) suggests that tree falling incidents dropped by almost 49% in PuneAshok Ghorpade, PMC garden department head, told TOI that this happened because tree maintenance started earlier this year (in April, as opposed to May)QUOTE:Within old limits of PMC, there are 57 lakh trees; 70% of them are exotic ones that were planted a long time ago. We have been working towards a plan to only plant native trees henceforth. For this, we have been conducting an annual drive between June 5 and Aug 15, when saplings of native trees are distributed and planted. In our nurseries, too, all saplings now belong to native trees. Through our ward offices, information on the same is being given to different housing societiesAshok Ghorpade | Head, PMC garden department Year // Number of tree falling incidents reported under PMC2025 – 7712024 – 1,5092023 – 7392022 – 751





Source link