In an important decision to enhance the green cover in Pune, members of the tree authority committee (TAC) of the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) have selected three hilly terrains in the suburbs that would be declared and developed as a joint forest project (JFP)
The terrains are: Chandani Chowk to Mhatoba Nagar in Kothrud, the hills in Dhanori, and Ramtekdi in Hadapsar. The civic body, in collaboration with the state government, had initiated three JFPs in Bhamburda, Pachgaon Parvati and Warje at a cost of Rs 5 crore in 2008.
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“After utilising the funds for JFP in 2008, we managed to save Rs 1 crore. That’s why we suggested that rather than concentrating on just these three areas, the PMC can start new JFPs. The TAC short-listed three sites,” Anil Tingare, corporator and TAC member, said.
The JFP scheme involves plantation of trees with adequate precautions to curb deforestation. “I proposed to include the hilly patch from Chandani Chowk to Mhatoba Nagar in Kothrud for the new JFP. This area is already green and if declared a JFP then maintaining its green cover will become easier,” said Prithviraj Sutar, corporator and TAC member.