Pune: The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) will investigate the allegations of tree trimming at the mayor’s official bungalow on Ghole Road in Shivajinagar.The inquiry came after activists raised objections to the trimming. “The details on how the permission was granted would be checked. A report regarding it would also be drafted in the next week,” said Naval Kishore Ram, commissioner of PMC, while speaking with reporters on Wednesday.As per activists, 19 trees were trimmed. The activists claimed that the trimming was unnecessary and should have been avoided. The civic officials, who have the responsibility to guard and nurture the trees, trimmed them. It was ironic that the trimming was done on April 22, which is celebrated as the Earth Day, the activists underlined.The mayor’s office clarified that these trees were trimmed as they were dangerous and posed a threat of falling.Civic body chief also said PMC would intensify action against illegal ready-mix concrete (RMC) plants.The civic officials, commenting on action against RMC plants, said PMC had conducted a drive against projects in several areas, including Lohegaon and Khandvenagar, earlier this month. The residents of Dhayari, however, also demanded demolition of these plants in their areas.The action followed citizens’ complaints. According to citizens, these plants were causing major pollution. The unregulated RMC vehicles posed a threat of accidents, and plants made life unbearable for residents, the officials said.They cause clouds of dust and respiratory ailments. Many fatal accidents were caused in these areas by speeding RMC vehicles. These facilities should be shifted away from residential areas, they said.
