Pune: Forest Department Plans Oxygen Park in Punawale Reserve Forest to Combat Tree Cutting

In response to repeated complaints about illegal tree cutting and a demand by the local MLA, the Pune Forest Department has initiated plans to develop an oxygen park in the Punawale Reserve Forest. The proposal for the project, aimed at preserving the dense vegetation and biodiversity of the area, has already been submitted to the district collector in late January, with permission expected by the end of February.

The reserve forest, located at survey number 23 in Punawale under the Paud forest range, spans 22 hectares and is home to hundreds of fully grown native trees, diverse plant species, birds, and micro-organisms. However, rampant tree cutting by unidentified individuals, often linked to nearby construction projects and labour camps, has raised significant concerns among residents and authorities.

To address these issues, the forest department is also planning to construct a compound wall around the reserve forest to restrict unauthorized entry and prevent further tree cutting. A proposal for the wall is being prepared and will soon be sent to the forest head office in Nagpur for approval. Once approved, the construction is expected to take four to five months to complete.

The oxygen park project, proposed under the District Planning and Development Committee (DPDC), aims to transform the urban forest into a green space that promotes environmental conservation and public awareness. Residents have welcomed the initiative, emphasizing the need for increased vigilance and security measures to protect the forest.

The move comes after local MLA Shankar Jagtap wrote to the Pune Forest Department on January 16, urging action against tree cutting and advocating for the development of an oxygen park. The forest department has since taken proactive steps to balance conservation efforts with sustainable development.