The Times of India 17.11.2009
PMC to issue notice to ARDE over felling of trees
PUNE: The Pune Municipal Corporation will soon be issuing a notice to the Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE) over axing of at least 22 trees in an area, which, according to the PMC, falls under the jurisdiction of the ARDE.
The garden department noticed rampant felling of trees in and around the Pashan lake on Friday. Speaking to TOI, garden superintendent Ashok Ghorpade said, "I went there on Friday and took pictures of the trees that have been felled, a notice will be sent to them in a couple of days."
"I believe that the ARDE is building a compound wall in the area and a JCB excavator was used to remove the trees. About 20 to 22 trees have been felled. The ARDE should have taken permission before removing the trees. A panchanama has been prepared in the matter."
When contacted, an ARDE official said that the establishment was not aware about any such damage being done to the trees. "We have no information on the damage being done to the trees near Pashan lake. Many times, our works are done through sub-contractors, but nobody has brought to our notice such damages," Kashinath Deodhar, divisional head, Futuristic Technology, and a spokesperson of the ARDE, told TOI. "However, we have informed the officers concerned to look into the matter," he added.
According to wildlife researcher, Dharmaraj Patil, "The wiped out primary vegetation was as an apt roosting and nesting place for migratory birds. The birds, which come from different parts of Europe, Siberia and Ladakh, need shelter and an undisturbed surrounding during the winter. The place also served as resting place for numerous local birds too." Removing the trees in such a manner would be harmful for the birds, he added.
Some of the migratory birds seen here include: Common Pochard, Ruddy Shelduck, Sandpipers, White Wagtail, Grey Wagtail, Yellow wagtail and Nukta duck.
"The lake as well as the vegetation matter a lot to these birds. The trees play an important role in holding the soil, which maintains the other flora as well, thus strengthening the entire ecosystem," Patil said. "The best way to deal with the Pashan lake is to leave it undisturbed," he added.
The Pashan lake bank is crucial for some of the local birds breeding here, namely, Jacanas, Spot-Billed ducks, Lapwings, Waterhens, Egrets, Herons, among others. "The area surrounding Pashan lake is unique as it not only hosts water birds, but also supports many important forest birds which depend on trees," Patil said.
