The Sajag Nagrik Manch, a citizens' group in Pune, has expressed significant concerns over a Rs 30-crore tender announced by the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) for tree planting along the Mumbai-Pune expressway. They argue that this initiative is unnecessary, citing a 2004 contract that mandated the planting of 100,000 trees in the region. The group is advocating for a reevaluation of the project, urging the MSRDC to focus on fulfilling previous commitments rather than launching new tenders. This situation underscores the broader issue of environmental sustainability and the effective use of public funds in urban projects. Local residents are increasingly concerned about the balance between development and ecological conservation.

The tender has sparked a dialogue about responsible environmental stewardship in infrastructure projects. As the debate continues, the citizens’ group is calling for transparency in the MSRDC’s decision-making and planning processes. The outcome of this situation could significantly impact future tree planting initiatives and urban development strategies in the region.