Save Hanuman Tekdi!

PMC is planning to build 2 elevated water tanks and one massive ground level tank on Hanuman Tekdi behind Fergusson and BMCC colleges. The elevated tanks will be 62 ft in height and will be supported by 10 – 15 pillars. A 3 m compound wall will be built all around the tanks cutting off access of almost 1 hectare of the tekdi to the public. An approach road is also planned to provide access to the site.

Since this is Reserved Forest land, PMC has got all the necessary clearances from the Forest Dept and Ministry of Environment under Forest Conservation Act (FCA). Excavation on one part was already done in 2017.

No one disputes the need for water; however, it is critical to explore all possibilities of minimising damage to the tekdi.

Pune's tekdis are like natural overhead water tanks! - they contain natural streams and aquifers that recharge Pune's groundwater. Excavation on these hills will lead to disruption of the aquifer systems which will impact bore wells in and around Deccan Gymkhana and Model Colony. The city is rapidly losing its open spaces and Pune's tekdis are classified as 'open space' in the Development Plan. Losing one hectare of a public open space accessible to all citizens will be a significant loss. The new Development Plan for Pune already shows a vastly reduced open space per person of just 3 sqm which is far less than the 8 -10 sqm as per UDPFI norms.

Around 140 trees will be cut for this project. Given PMC’s poor record on compensatory plantation and survival, these trees will be permanently lost.