Citizen groups and environmental activists have intensified their demand for granting full forest land designation to the ecologically sensitive Vetal Hill complex in Pune. The hill, one of the city’s last remaining green lungs, plays a critical role in groundwater recharge, climate regulation, and biodiversity conservation.
Activists argue that despite its rich natural value, Vetal Hill remains vulnerable to encroachment, infrastructure expansion, and unregulated development due to the absence of formal forest status. The area supports diverse flora and fauna, including native grasslands, shrubs, birds, reptiles, and small mammals, while also acting as a vital carbon sink that helps moderate urban temperatures.
Environmentalists emphasize that the hill’s porous terrain allows rainwater to percolate into the ground, replenishing aquifers that supply surrounding neighborhoods. They warn that continued degradation could worsen water scarcity and intensify the urban heat island effect.
Citizen groups have submitted memoranda, organized awareness campaigns, and urged authorities to expedite legal procedures for forest classification. They maintain that formal protection would enable better management, prevent land-use changes, and ensure long-term ecological security. Experts say safeguarding Vetal Hill is essential not only for biodiversity but also for Pune’s environmental resilience and quality of life.
