Greens see red over 'trimming'

Deputy Commissioner of PMC gheraoed by MNS activists, urged to strengthen tree protecting measures in Pune or face an agitation

Stung by the sight of huge branches of trees 'trimmed' to make way for a massive stage for the Art of Living ( AOL) Foundation, environmentalists and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) activists gheraoed the Deputy Commissioner of Pune Municipal Corporation Bhanudas Mane yesterday, for not safeguarding the trees in the city.

Nearly 15 MNS activists from the environment wing of the party, and tree lovers met the PMC Deputy Commissioner with their faces painted green. The activists demanded an explanation from him for granting permission to chop the branches, and also submitted a memorandum to strengthen tree protecting measures.

Punish the guilty
The city president of MNS Sanjay Bhosale said, "We gheraoed the commissioner and asked him as to why they allowed trimming of trees in the SP College ground on such a large scale. We also asked him to register an offence against the contractor who had been given permission to trim up to one metre, but trimmed it by several metres."

He clarified that they were not against the AOL, which is doing social work in the city.

Vinod Jain, an environmentalist, also accompanied the MNS activists to the office of PMC. Jain said, "We told the deputy commissioner that just asking the offenders to pay a fine will not suffice. They should file a criminal case against them."

Mane, PMC deputy commissioner, confirmed that the activists met him in connection with the extra trimming of the trees at the SP College and demanded stern measures to protect trees of Pune.

"I assured them that I will look into the matter and take appropriate measures after examining it. Action will be initiated against the people if we find that they have violated any norms" he said.