MoEFCC Responds To Plea Of A Punekar, Orders Investigation Into Tree Felling At Pune’s Sacred Ram Mula Devrai

In response to a plea from Vandana Chaudhary, a nature enthusiast, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has directed the concerned authorities to examine and take action regarding the felling of trees in the sacred Ram Mula Devrai, located at the confluence of the Ramnadi and Mula rivers in Aundh.

Chaudhary in her letter to the state forest departments and MoEFCC, spoke about the problem and urged them to stop the destruction of heritage trees and save Pune’s last sacred grove, which is an important biological sanctuary.

The significance of the sacred grove as an essential green area that provides a haven for a variety of plants and animals and a break from urbanization was highlighted in the letter. Given the ongoing River Front Development (RFD) project, which has alarmed local people and environmentalists, she urged the authorities to immediately halt the tree-cutting operations. “These green oases are irreplaceable, and we must act to preserve them for future generations,” said Chaudhary.

The MoEFCC’s Forest Protection Division responded and acknowledged the complaint and asked the State Forest Department to look into it. The Ministry has instructed the authorities to guarantee adherence to the pertinent rules and regulations and has requested a report on the measures implemented.

Friends of Devrai

The “Friends of Devrai,” a group of environmentalists, have started a campaign to preserve the holy grove. They are holding activities like birding, music festivals, nature walks, and river cleanups to increase public awareness of the grove’s ecological and cultural value. Along with concerned residents, local organizations like Pune River Revival, Jeevit Nadi, and the local fishing community have put in countless hours to protect this holy area.

Thousands of Punekars in February united in a symbolic Chipko Movement, embracing the trees to highlight their commitment to protecting the sacred grove. “MoEFCC should declare the Ram Mula Devrai as a ‘Community Reserve’ as per the Supreme Court’s 2024 directive, which recognizes the ecological and cultural value of sacred groves,” said Chaudhary, speaking to Free Press Journal. “The Devrai, though undocumented, has immense potential to be preserved. I have raised a grievance with the PMO to stop the tree felling through the Forest Protection Division.”

Chaudhary also reported that after following up on the matter, she received an official letter from the Maharashtra Forest Department, which confirmed that a report will be submitted to the MoEFCC regarding the action taken.

What are Devrais

Traditional forest regions known as “devrais,” or sacred groves, are revered by the local populace, especially in Maharashtra’s Western Ghats. Heritage trees, rare species, and a variety of fauna can be found in these groves, like the Ramnadi-Mula Devrai. Because no ecological assessments or licenses have been obtained under the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972 or the Biological Diversity Act of 2002, the Devrai is still undocumented despite its ecological significance, and the River Front Development project threatens its survival.

In order to prevent human activity from reducing the size of sacred groves throughout India, the Supreme Court has granted them legal protection. As stewards of these groves, local communities are entrusted to protect them against deterioration and encroachment.