Pune: Forest department fines developer ₹8 lac for illegal tree cutting in Mulshi

The Forest Department of Mulshi taluka recently imposed a hefty fine of eight lakh rupees on a developer found guilty of cutting down 800 trees without administrative approval.

The illegal tree cutting happened in the Nere area of Mulshi taluka, prompting the Vasundhara Social Upliftment Tree Planting and Tree Conservation Co-operative Society to file a formal complaint with the Mulshi Forest Department office in Bhare in March. The complaint highlighted the unauthorized felling of 400 trees planted in 2016, as well as naturally grown trees within the institute’s jurisdiction.

Upon receiving the complaint, Pragya Bansode, the Ghotavade Forest Division Officer, and Pandurang Kopanar, the Forest Conservator of Kasarasai Division, conducted a thorough investigation at the site, as directed by the Paud Forest Division Officers. Their inspection revealed the alarming extent of the damage, with approximately 800 trees cut illegally.

According to forest officials, the complaint involved a group of 30 to 40 individuals in the illegal tree cutting operation. Subsequent notices were issued to the accused, leading them to voluntarily appear at the Forest Range Office to provide their statements. In their confession, the accused admitted to the crime and expressed willingness to comply with government regulations by paying the stipulated penalty.

In accordance with existing rules and regulations, the Forest Department promptly collected a total fine of ₹8 lakh from the offenders, signaling a stern warning to anyone considering similar actions in the future. The proactive enforcement of penalties acts as a deterrent against environmental exploitation and reinforces the importance of sustainable practices in development initiatives.