Pune Spent ₹108 Crore on Parks-So Why Is Green Cover Still Only 10%?

PUNE — The urban green cover across the central limits of Pune remains restricted to a stagnant 10% of the total 249 square kilometer area, according to official civic data submitted to the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC).

The disclosures, presented in a written reply to a question by Congress group leader Adv. Chandu Kadam ahead of the general body meetings, revealed that despite the civic body expending ₹108.26 crore on park maintenance, repairs, and green space development over the past five financial years, canopy expansion has failed to keep pace with rapid urban concretization.

Park Development Versus Urban Concretization

According to municipal records from the PMC garden department, authorities have developed 215 parks spanning approximately 2.45 square meters (2,453,573 sq m). However, these localized green spaces represent only a small fraction of the city's broader ecological footprint, which encompasses urban hills, green belts, roadside vegetation, and natural reserves.

Environmental activists and urban planners point out that continuous infrastructure pressures, road expansions, and real estate redevelopment have steadily eroded mature canopy cover across older neighborhoods like Camp, Shivajinagar, and Koregaon Park.

According to official civic filings, financial reports, and urban studies:

• Expenditure Track: PMC allocated a total of ₹108.26 crore toward park maintenance between the 2021-22 and 2025-26 fiscal cycles.

• Spending Peak: Annual outlays peaked at ₹32.22 crore during 2022-23, followed by subsequent allocations including ₹24.79 crore in 2025-26.

• Total Canopy Assessment: Official estimates indicate the city retains approximately 27.90 square kilometers of overall green cover.

• Proposed Technological Audit: In response to data discrepancies, the PMC garden department has submitted a proposal to utilize drone technology for its upcoming tree census to achieve precise canopy density mapping.

Official Sources Section

• Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) Official Portal: Official civic resolutions, garden department reports, and administrative budget disclosures.

• Hindustan Times Regional Coverage: Investigative reporting on municipal budget allocations and green cover metrics.

• The Times of India City Portal: Comprehensive analyses tracking urban forestry data and canopy changes.

Quote Section

According to statements released by Ashok Ghorpade, Chief Superintendent of the PMC Garden Department, regarding future monitoring methods:

"Previously, green cover was calculated indirectly using tree counts relative to population. However, actual green cover is defined by the forest and foliage canopy visible from above. With modern drone technology, we can assess canopy density far more accurately."

Why It Matters

For residents, urban ecologists, and civic planners, maintaining an adequate urban tree canopy is essential for mitigating urban heat island effects, managing stormwater runoff, and preserving air quality. The ongoing discrepancy between heavy financial expenditures on localized parks and stagnant overall green coverage highlights systemic challenges in balancing municipal development with environmental preservation.

Key Facts at a Glance

• Geographic Scope: 249 square kilometers within Pune's old municipal limits.

• Green Cover Proportion: Stagnant at approximately 10%.

• Financial Outlay: ₹108.26 crore spent on park repairs and maintenance over five years.

• Parks Developed: 215 parks managed by the PMC garden department.

FAQ Section

What percentage of Pune's central area is covered by greenery?

Official PMC data indicates that green cover remains restricted to approximately 10% of the 249 square kilometer area within the city's old limits.

How much has the PMC spent on parks recently?

The municipal corporation spent a total of ₹108.26 crore on park maintenance and repairs between the 2021-22 and 2025-26 financial years.

Why are experts questioning the impact of the park spending?

Critics note that despite significant financial investments in localized parks, rapid construction, concretization, and the loss of mature trees have kept overall green canopy levels stagnant.

How does the municipal body plan to improve tree census accuracy?

The PMC has submitted a proposal to the Standing Committee to deploy drone technology for future tree censuses to measure actual foliage canopy density more precisely.

Source: Pune Municipal Corporation, Hindustan Times, The Times of India