2 days Ago By Alim Shaikh
Pune: Large number of saplings planted along Spine Road near Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Chowk in Pimpri Chinchwad under corporate social responsibility (CSR) have dried up because of lack of proper maintenance, triggering concern among local residents. Citizens blamed the civic authorities for failing to ensure upkeep of the saplings. They said a total of 500 saplings were planted by the authorities, and two drums were installed to water them, but these drums remained empty most of the time.
Protective circles were also installed around the saplings, but they started wilting due to lack of watering. Umar Shaikh, a resident, said, "This was a commendable initiative, but without proper upkeep, it has gone to waste." Another resident, Sunita Kadam, said, "The authorities should ensure regular watering to save the remaining saplings.
" Umesh Dhakane, assistant municipal commissioner and head of PCMC's garden department, said the saplings were planted last year by Maharashtra Natural Gas Limited (MNGL) under its CSR initiative. As per the agreement, MNGL was responsible for maintaining these saplings for three years, he said. He said PCMC officials have also confirmed that several saplings started wilting due to insufficient watering.
"The garden department highlighted the issue of water shortage, which impacted regular watering. To prevent further damage, we stepped in by supplying water. Additionally, MNGL has been told to arrange more water tankers to ensure that the trees survive," Dhakane said.
He said that only a few trees were affected, while the remaining ones were still in good condition and can be revived with proper watering. MNGL officials refuted the claims of the municipal corporation. "PCMC and some other organisations were responsible for watering these saplings.
MNGL was only involved in the plantation drive," an MNGL spokesperson said. Environment activists said private organisations participating in the plantation drive was a good initiative, but the municipal corporation should take the responsibility of watering these saplings. Activist Raju Savale said, "Since PCMC has a dedicated department to look after environment concerns, it should take the responsibility of maintaining all the saplings in its jurisdiction, including those planted by the civic body and private organisations.
It is wrong for the civic body to pass on the responsibility to someone else." Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with EID Wishes , Messages and quotes !.
