Over 60 neem and banyan trees were damaged in the fire at Anandvan 2 on Monday afternoon

Over 60 neem and banyan trees were damaged in the fire at Anandvan 2 on Monday afternoon

Over 60 neem and banyan trees were damaged in the fire at Anandvan 2 on Monday afternoon Over 60 neem and banyan trees were damaged in the fire at Anandvan 2 on Monday afternoon Over 60 neem and banyan trees were damaged in the fire at Anandvan 2 on Monday afternoon Over 60 neem and banyan trees were damaged in the fire at Anandvan 2 on Monday afternoon Pune : A fire at Anandvan 2 urban forest in Mohammedwadi on Monday afternoon damaged more than 60 neem and banyan trees, which had been planted by local volunteers three years ago. Volunteers living in the vicinity rushed to the scene and managed to douse the blaze within 15 minutes using pipes connected to the forest’s internal irrigation system. Approximately 250 to 300 acres of land currently feature dry grass that requires urgent clearing, heavily stretching the resources of volunteer network, according to Sharma.

The incident has triggered concern among environmentalists regarding unauthorised entry, public drinking, and littering inside the green zone, alongside escalating risk of wildfires fuelled by a severe dry spell. The caretaker’s family first spotted the flames and immediately alerted the local community. The forest department was also notified of the incident. The incident highlights the logistical challenge of managing dry vegetation across sprawling green expanses.