Pune's Hills Under Fire: Community Pushes for Action to Save Local Ecosystems

Forest fires have become a pressing issue in Pune, threatening the delicate ecosystems of local hills and plantations. Despite government statistics suggesting a downturn in incidents—55 reported fires during the financial year 2023-24, down from 236 in 2020-21—the reality on the ground tells a different story. Local citizens assert that the menace persists, and in some areas, has intensified. The Pune forest division has recorded over 775 fires since April 2019, resulting in the destruction of 1,767.6 hectares of forest land across its eight ranges. The origin of many of these fires can be traced to careless human actions, including the tossing of lit cigarettes and the burning of garbage. A particularly devastating fire recently scorched nearly 30 acres at Mhalunge hill, ignited by a pile of rubbish. Shrikant Dalvi, from the NGO Prakriti Abhiyaan, lamented the growing severity of the fires, stating, "We draw fire lines, cut grass, and take all necessary precautions every year, but the issue is worsening." Local residents are calling for the establishment of an Urban Joint Forest Management Committee (UJFMC) to bolster forest protection efforts and prevent future fires. They believe this committee could facilitate corporate funding to enhance fire prevention activities, deploy security personnel for monitoring, and manage access points to forest areas. Makarand Shete, a Kothrud resident, emphasized the urgency of the situation, revealing that community members recently apprehended individuals attempting to ignite a fire at Vetal Tekdi. Fire incidents have not been confined to one area; various hills, including Taljai Tekdi and Chatushrungi, have also seen blazes. Amey Godse, a member of the Green Hills group, estimated the devastation caused by such fires, noting that for every hour a fire burns, one to two acres of land can be destroyed. The threat is not only environmental but also social, as residents report that the hills have become unsafe due to vandalism and reckless behavior by some individuals. In the neighboring Pimpri Chinchwad area, hills such as Ghoradeshwar and Dongarwadi have also been impacted by fire incidents, with one recent blaze on Ghoradeshwar hill consuming 500 plants. Local forest officials acknowledge the challenge but are working on measures to improve the situation. Mahadev Mohite, deputy conservator of forests for the Pune division, stated, "We have asked for funds from the Pune Municipal Corporation to raise boundary walls to ensure encroachers do not light fires on the hills." Community members, however, express frustration over the lack of effective support from local forest officials. Vijay Satpute from Nisarg Mitra Vibhag Of Swatantra Veer Savarkar Mandal highlighted the challenges faced by volunteers who have been planting trees for over 15 years only to see their efforts undone by recurring fires. The call for a UJFMC is gaining momentum as citizens hope that a structured body could provide the necessary oversight and funding to protect Pune’s valuable green spaces. The sense of urgency around this initiative reflects a collective commitment to not only safeguarding the hills but also preserving the ecological integrity of the region for future generations. As local residents take action and engage with the forest department, their determination may well pave the way for a more sustainable and protected ecosystem in Pune.