Pune Municipal Corporation Bans Tree Felling and Harming of Trees During Vijayadashami Festival
Pune, October 15, 2026 – In a decisive move to protect the city’s green cover, the PMC tree felling ban Vijayadashami 2026 has been officially enforced. The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has issued a public notice strictly prohibiting the felling, damaging, or harming of trees during the upcoming Vijayadashami (Dasara) celebrations. The notice, issued by the Garden Department (Vruksh Pradhikaran), warns citizens against the traditional practice of cutting trees or branches as part of the “Simollanghan” (border crossing) ritual.
The public notice, dated October 15, 2026, cites the Maharashtra (Urban Areas) Protection and Preservation of Trees Act, 1975, along with subsequent amendments and the Maharashtra (Urban Areas) Tree Protection and Preservation Rules, 2009. It also references a Bombay High Court order dated September 20, 2013, which reinforces the legal framework for tree conservation.
PMC tree felling ban : Legal Consequences for Violations
The PMC notice explicitly states that under the Maharashtra (Urban Areas) Protection and Preservation of Trees Act, 2021, any unauthorized felling, cutting, or damaging of trees—including acts like driving nails into trees or poisoning them—is a punishable offense. Violators may face a fine of up to ₹1 lakh or other penalties as deemed fit by the “Tree Authority” (Vruksh Pradhikaran).
PMC tree felling ban : Appeal to Citizens
The Garden Department has urged all citizens to refrain from cutting trees such as Banyan (Vad), Peepal (Pimpal), Umbar, Mango (Amba), Jackfruit (Phanas), and other species during the festival. Instead, citizens are encouraged to use alternative symbolic practices that do not involve harming trees. The notice emphasizes that every citizen has a responsibility to protect the environment and preserve the city’s trees.
PMC tree felling ban : How to Report Violations
To ensure compliance, the PMC has provided multiple channels for citizens to report violations or seek permissions:
- In-person: Submit complaints to the Deputy Commissioner (Trees) at the Garden Department office, PMC main building, or to the concerned Ward Officer.
- Phone/WhatsApp: Contact the PCMC Care Number at 91463383383 or the Toll-Free Number at 1800 103 0222.
- Online: File complaints via the PMC website: www.complaints.pmc.gov.in.
The notice also lists additional contact numbers for specific helplines:
- WhatsApp & Complaints: 9689900002
- Chat Bot: 8888251001
The notice is signed by Shrikant Deshpande, Deputy Municipal Commissioner and Member Secretary, Garden Department, Pune Municipal Corporation. The document bears the official stamp of the PMC Garden Department and the date of issuance.
PMC tree felling ban : Why This Matters
Vijayadashami, which marks the victory of good over evil, traditionally involves the “Simollanghan” ritual where people cross the village or city border and collect leaves from trees like Apta. However, in urban settings, this practice has often led to indiscriminate cutting of branches and trees. The PMC’s directive aims to balance cultural traditions with environmental conservation, urging citizens to adopt eco-friendly alternatives.
This proactive measure by the PMC underscores the growing awareness of urban tree preservation and the legal consequences of environmental damage. Citizens are advised to celebrate responsibly and contribute to a greener Pune.
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