Pune: The Pune MahaMetro has commenced the extension of the metro line from Pimpri to Nigdi. To facilitate the construction, 57 trees that obstruct the project will be felled, sparking discontent among environmentalists.

The 4.41 km metro line construction has begun, requiring the removal of 15-year-old trees that are in the way.

The viaduct work, handled by Rail Vikas Nigam, involves erecting pillars near the Lokshahir Anna Bhau Sathe PMPML bus depot in Nigdi, leading to the removal of obstructing trees. Trees along the sidewalk near the Shri Krishna Temple, adjacent to the circular flyover in Nigdi, have already started being cut down, with nine trees felled so far.

This removal extends along the sidewalks from Nigdi to Pimpri, causing tree lovers to express their discontent and file complaints with the municipal corporation.

A total of 57 trees, including 18 Tabebuia, nine each of Peltophorum and Fistula, two each of Neem, Banyan, and Ashoka, five Peepal, four Umber, and one each of Ficus, Rain Tree, Ashok, Spathodea, Jamun, and Jackfruit, will be cut down. Of these, 50 trees belong to the municipal corporation, and seven are owned by the Shri Krishna Temple Trust.

The municipal corporation has permitted the removal of trees obstructing the metro line. MahaMetro has committed to planting ten trees for every tree removed and replanting surviving trees.

Dr. Hemant Sonawane, Director of MahaMetro, stated that a replantation plan is in place. Deputy Commissioner of the Garden Department, Ravikiran Ghodke, added that the replanted trees will be maintained for three years at the Kasarwadi sewage treatment plant.