On 18 and 19 July 2026, Parisar organised Walk Under the Trees: An Alternative Design for Ganeshkhind Road, an experiential learning walk that brought together citizens to explore the relationship between urban mobility, street design, and Pune's rapidly diminishing urban tree cover. These walks were in collaboration with Ethos Foundation under Arcause Spotlight 4.0
Ganeshkhind Road is one of Pune's most important transport corridors, connecting educational institutions, research centres, government offices, residential neighbourhoods, and Metro infrastructure. It is equally significant for its avenue of mature trees, which provide shade, reduce urban heat, improve air quality, support biodiversity, and make walking and cycling more comfortable.
The walk was designed around Parisar's alternative proposal for Ganeshkhind Road, demonstrating that infrastructure improvements need not come at the cost of mature trees. Through on-site discussions, observations, and interactive activities, participants explored how streets can be redesigned to prioritise both sustainable mobility and environmental conservation.
Dates: 18 & 19 July 2026
Time: 8:00 AM – 9:30 AM
Location: Ganeshkhind Road, Pune
Route: Chaphekar Putla to Fergusson College (FC) Road
Distance: Approximately 1.2 km
Participants: 19 participants (Day 1), 18 participants (Day 2)
Objectives
- Introduce participants to the proposed Ganeshkhind Road widening project and its implications.
- Showcase Parisar's alternative street design proposal that retains existing trees while improving mobility.
- Build awareness of the ecological and social importance of mature street trees.
- Explain the legal framework governing urban trees in Maharashtra and the avenues available for citizen participation.
- Equip participants with practical tools to document and advocate for urban biodiversity.
- Encourage informed public engagement in shaping sustainable and people-friendly streets.
The Walk
The walk began at Chaphekar Putla, where participants were welcomed and introduced to the history and significance of Ganeshkhind Road. Facilitators outlined the objectives of the session and provided an overview of the proposed road widening project, setting the context for discussions on urban mobility, climate resilience, and tree conservation.
The group then moved to the first discussion point, where the team presented its alternative design proposal for Ganeshkhind Road. Using the existing streetscape as a live classroom, participants explored how road space could be reorganised to safely accommodate pedestrians, cyclists, public transport, and motor vehicles without removing the mature trees currently marked for felling. The discussion challenged the common perception that road widening and tree loss are inevitable companions, demonstrating that thoughtful street design can meet mobility needs while preserving valuable green infrastructure.
At the next stop, attention shifted to the governance of urban trees. Participants were introduced to the provisions of the Maharashtra (Urban Areas) Protection and Preservation of Trees Act, the role of Tree Authorities, and the legal processes involved in granting permission for tree felling and pruning. The session also highlighted the importance of public participation, explaining how citizens can monitor infrastructure projects, participate in consultations, submit objections, and engage constructively with local authorities to protect urban trees.
The walk then became more hands-on with a tree mapping exercise using the iNaturalist mobile application. Participants learned how to identify, photograph, and document trees as biodiversity observations, experiencing how citizen science can contribute to creating publicly accessible ecological data while fostering a stronger connection with the city's natural heritage.
The final stop was at Fergusson College Road (FC Road), where participants observed examples of well-designed public streets. Discussions focused on elements such as continuous footpaths, shaded walking environments, accessible public spaces, and the integration of greenery into street design. These examples reinforced the principles discussed throughout the walk and demonstrated how thoughtful planning can create streets that are safe, inclusive, and environmentally resilient.
The formal programme concluded with informal conversations over tea and snacks, giving participants an opportunity to reflect on their observations, exchange ideas, and discuss ways to remain engaged in protecting Pune's urban trees and advocating for sustainable mobility.
Key Outcomes
Over the two-day programme, 37 participants engaged with the ecological, social, and planning dimensions of Ganeshkhind Road through direct observation and discussion.
Participants left with:
- A clearer understanding of the Ganeshkhind Road widening proposal and its potential impact on Pune's urban tree cover.
- First-hand exposure to Parisar's alternative street design and the principles of context-sensitive road planning.
- Greater awareness of the ecological services provided by mature street trees and their importance in building climate-resilient cities.
- Practical knowledge of the Maharashtra Tree Act and the processes through which citizens can participate in protecting urban trees.
- Hands-on experience using the iNaturalist platform to document urban biodiversity.
- A deeper appreciation of how well-designed streets can successfully integrate mobility, accessibility, and environmental sustainability.
Watch this video to learn more about both the walks.