Pune: Citizens group Vetal Tekdi Bachav Kruti Samiti (VTBKS) on Tuesday alleged that Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) was attempting to expedite the environmental clearance process for the proposed Balbharati-Paud Phata road, by compressing timelines and limiting the scope of environmental studies for the stretch passing via the hill.The group flagged concerns over what it termed a “hurried” tender process, citing the short one-week bidding window, restrictive eligibility criteria, and the proposal to base the initial environmental study on data from just one season.VTBKS member Prajakta Divekar said, “A single-season study cannot adequately capture the hill’s ecological dynamics, including groundwater recharge, biodiversity and seasonal variations. In 2019, PMC’s consultant had recommended a comprehensive four-season study to assess ecological impacts. The current terms of reference, however, allow the EIA (environmental impact assessment) to be prepared initially using data from just one season, with later updates possibly relying on secondary information. How these updates will be incorporated remains unclear.”Echoing similar concerns, another member, Avanti Gadgil, said the tender process appeared rushed. “The bidding window was limited to one week, with the pre-bid meeting and technical inspection scheduled within days of the tender notice. For a project impacting a sensitive hill ecosystem, such compressed timelines raise serious questions,” Gadgil said.The group also objected to a non-disclosure clause in the tender, which restricted sharing of study-related data without prior PMC approval. VTBKS argued that projects funded by public money should remain open to public scrutiny.PMC, however, denied the allegations, saying it was following due process and did not predetermine the scope or outcome of the environmental assessment. A senior PMC official told TOI, “The civic body will strictly adhere to the consultant’s recommendations and the expert appraisal mechanism. If the consultant advises a one-season study, it will be done accordingly. If four seasons are suggested, we will comply.“On the short tender duration, the official said the timeline was set as per govt norms for consultancy contracts within a specified financial limit. Since only one bidder applied initially, the tender period would be extended after the model code of conduct was lifted to ensure adequate competition, the official added.Regarding the confidentiality clause, PMC said it aimed to prevent circulation of incomplete or draft findings. “Premature sharing of preliminary data can lead to misinterpretation and unnecessary public alarm. Once the EIA report is finalised, it will be disclosed as per prescribed norms,” the official said.The proposed 2.1-km-long, 30-metre-wide Balbharati-Paud Phata link road has faced delays for years due to legal and environmental hurdles. In Oct, the Supreme Court allowed the project to proceed, but only after PMC secured mandatory environmental clearance (EC) for the section passing through Vetal Tekdi.
