Contractor wraps trees in artificial lights; PCMC swings into action

PUNE, Maharashtra: As environmentalist raises concern about decorating the trees with artificial lights in the Nigdi area, garden department of the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) swings into action to protect trees.

Artificial lights can disrupt the day-night cycle of trees, which in the long run could result in changes in the flowering time, hamper their natural growth and reduce their environmental resilience.

Around 14 trees, under the ownership of the civic body, were wrapped in decorative lights by a person near Smbhaji Chowk in Nigdi Pradhikaran. Civic body’s Assistant Garden Inspector has lodged a complaint with the police under Section 15 of the Environment Protection Act, as well as Section 3 of the Maharashtra Prevention of Defacement of Property Act.