Former MP, citizens seek PMC’s intervention against illegal hill cutting across Pune

Residents of Pune, together with a former Member of Parliament, have formally approached the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) seeking immediate action against unauthorized hill cutting activities. The petition cites several sites where earth has been removed without permission, leading to visible erosion and loss of green cover. Citizens claim that the illegal work is being carried out by contractors who have not obtained the required clearances from the state forest department. The former MP, who has previously championed environmental causes, has urged the PMC to enforce existing regulations and to hold the perpetrators accountable.

The hill cutting controversy has drawn attention to the broader issue of unplanned urban expansion in Maharashtra. Over the past decade, rapid development has put pressure on natural landscapes, prompting activists to warn that unchecked excavation can increase the risk of landslides during monsoon seasons. Local environmental groups have organized protests and awareness drives, emphasizing that hills serve as natural barriers that protect the city from flooding and provide habitats for native flora and fauna. The PMC has responded by stating that it will conduct a field inspection and coordinate with the state government to verify the legality of the ongoing work.

If the municipal authorities act on the petition, it could set a precedent for how Indian cities manage the balance between development and ecological preservation. Experts suggest that stricter monitoring and transparent permitting processes are essential to prevent similar incidents in the future. The outcome of this appeal may also influence policy discussions at the state level, where lawmakers are currently reviewing amendments to the Maharashtra Forest Conservation Act. Citizens remain hopeful that decisive action will safeguard the hills that form an integral part of Pune's natural environment.