Campaign partner:
Decision maker:
Tree Authority Department, Pune Municipal Corporation
Demands:
Enforce National Green Tribunal 2013 order that prescribes removal of nails, hooks, boards etc from trees.NGT order also recommends authorities to take measures to prevent harming of trees and explore alternative lighting/ advertising solutions.
PMC must conduct awareness drives to make citizens aware of the adverse effects things like lights, nails and posters have on trees
Trees are the lifeblood of any city – whether it is providing shade or absorbing harmful toxins from the air, they play a vital role. Yet, across Pune, trees are often scarred with nails, posters, banners and even lights especially to mark festivities. Such practices not only injure the bark of the tree but make the trees vulnerable to diseases, instability and decay.
Off late, shops across Pune have taken to decorating the trees with lights. However, under the Maharashtra (Urban Areas) Protection and Preservation of Trees Act, 1975, it is illegal to harm trees by attaching such materials. Yet, the tree authority under the Pune Municipal Corporation does little to ensure that the laws are being implemented. Attaching artificial lights to trees even disrupts natural processes like photosynthesis.
As the festive season is upon us, let’s say no to lights, nails, posters, high tension wires and banners on trees! It is imperative we protect our green cover, otherwise we risk exposing Pune to erratic weather events and increasing air pollution. Celebratory lights, posters and other informative content can be put on poles and walls after seeking appropriate permission from local government bodies instead of meddling with trees!
The National Green Tribunal, as part of a 2013 order, has also addressed the issue of lighting on trees and directed authorities to explore alternative lighting solutions. We urge the Tree Authority Department of the Pune Municipal Corporation to take cognisance of the issue and ensure trees across Pune are free from materials like lights, nails and posters that cause a threat to them.
Sources:
Campaign partner:
Decision maker:
Tree Authority Department, Pune Municipal Corporation
Demands:
Enforce National Green Tribunal 2013 order that prescribes removal of nails, hooks, boards etc from trees.NGT order also recommends authorities to take measures to prevent harming of trees and explore alternative lighting/ advertising solutions.
PMC must conduct awareness drives to make citizens aware of the adverse effects things like lights, nails and posters have on trees
Trees are the lifeblood of any city – whether it is providing shade or absorbing harmful toxins from the air, they play a vital role. Yet, across Pune, trees are often scarred with nails, posters, banners and even lights especially to mark festivities. Such practices not only injure the bark of the tree but make the trees vulnerable to diseases, instability and decay.
Off late, shops across Pune have taken to decorating the trees with lights. However, under the Maharashtra (Urban Areas) Protection and Preservation of Trees Act, 1975, it is illegal to harm trees by attaching such materials. Yet, the tree authority under the Pune Municipal Corporation does little to ensure that the laws are being implemented. Attaching artificial lights to trees even disrupts natural processes like photosynthesis.
As the festive season is upon us, let’s say no to lights, nails, posters, high tension wires and banners on trees! It is imperative we protect our green cover, otherwise we risk exposing Pune to erratic weather events and increasing air pollution. Celebratory lights, posters and other informative content can be put on poles and walls after seeking appropriate permission from local government bodies instead of meddling with trees!
The National Green Tribunal, as part of a 2013 order, has also addressed the issue of lighting on trees and directed authorities to explore alternative lighting solutions. We urge the Tree Authority Department of the Pune Municipal Corporation to take cognisance of the issue and ensure trees across Pune are free from materials like lights, nails and posters that cause a threat to them.
Sources: