By the people... For the environment: Punekars gather to protest unnecessary felling of Pune's indeginious trees

A few weeks ago, Poonam Patil, a software engineer, found herself attending a public hearing after coming across a WhatsApp group for the initiative. Today, she spends her weekend mornings at Pune's Biodiversity Heritage Site in Aundh, surrounded by people she barely knew a month ago. At the forefront of this initiative is the citizen-led group Chalo PMC Samvad, which is bringing together Punekars interested in environmental issues through public hearings, biodiversity walks and awareness campaigns.Bankers, business owners, retired government officers, IT professionals and youngsters are part of this initiative, engaging in discussions on topics ranging from tree conservation to urban planning. "We owe something to the city we live in," says Poonam, echoing a sentiment that’s common to this community that is taking a strong and science-based stand against wanton tree felling in the city.Learning the science behind the protestAt the heart of the hearings and discussions, are Chalo PMC Samvad’s founder, economist Ameet Singh, and former CGST and Customs officer Rekha Joshi. Singh says that he has spent years pushing citizens to become more involved in environmental issues, raising issues about construction. “Construction is not development,” he says, adding, “Development creates happiness, development creates peace, development creates liveability and a sustainable environment."Many of the discussions begin with understanding the value of the city's natural assets. Joshi, speaking about environmental assessments and project scrutiny, adds, "When people look at a project, the first question is often whether it is legal or illegal. But before that, we are trying to understand the scientific reasoning behind it. Why has a flood line been marked? What does a biodiversity assessment tell us? What impact could a project have on a river, a green space or an ecosystem? I believe that once you understand those aspects, you can have a much more informed discussion. The question is always the same - what is the environmental impact, and has it been properly assessed?" she shares.More than a protest movementNot everyone contributes in the same way. Some attend hearings. Others focus on bringing more people into the conversation. Businessman Kunal Chordia says, "Some people understand the technical and legal aspects. My role is to help spread the message and bring more people in." That support network now extends well beyond the Biodiversity Heritage Site.Ketaki, a banker who runs the social media platform Punekar Boltoy, began creating content after realising that much of the group's work was not reaching ordinary residents. "This is a citizens' movement, for the citizens and for Pune. And it should reach them in the best possible way," she says.In a city where conversations around development have often had an environmental angle, this growing network of Punekars has found its way to make their voices matter.It all started with a messageFor many members, the journey started online.Amrita Rathod, an IT professional, came across Chalo PMC Samvad through social media and WhatsApp forwards. "I think more people in the city need to know about initiatives like this. Everyone wants to contribute, but they don't always know how," she says.Corporate trainer and social activist Anne Anish says it took her months to understand the technical language used during discussions. "As you keep showing up, you start understanding how the system functions," she says.Projects scrutinised by the communityMula-Mutha Riverfront Project Plan: Converting 44.4 km of riverbed into embankments and promenades. Environmental impact: 3,809 trees affected on the Wakad-Sangvi stretch (1,009 to be felled, 2,800 translocated). Activists estimate the project impacts over 22,000 trees overall. Concerns: Citizens argue the design could reduce flood-carrying capacity and increase flooding risks. They also question tree transplantation, citing survival rates of below 40%.Ganeshkhind Road Widening Plan: Expanding University Road from 36m to 45m alongside Metro Line 3. Environmental impact: PMC records show out of 529 trees, 304 are affected (126 to be felled, 178 translocated), with nearly 60% classified as native heritage trees. Objections: Citizens say felling and transplanting hundreds of mature heritage trees will cause long-term environmental damage and reduce shade, biodiversity, and local temperature regulation.