Empress Gardens, one of Pune’s oldest and most biodiverse green spaces, is at the centre of a growing controversy following a government proposal to transfer a portion of its land for judicial infrastructure. The move, which could result in the loss of over 100 fully grown trees, has raised alarm among conservationists and the garden’s managing body. Beyond immediate ecological damage, the issue highlights a larger concern around shrinking urban green spaces amid rising AQI levels and rapid development. As both an environmental and cultural landmark, the potential loss underscores the urgent need to prioritise sustainable planning and preserve the city’s natural and historical heritage.
Spread across 39 acres, the Empress Gardens is one of Pune’s oldest and most serene green spaces, tucked away in the Cantonment area. This biodiverse garden has been home to hundreds of species of rare and indigenous plants since 1838. Managed by the Agri-Horticultural Society of Western India, the gardens are known for their lush tree canopies and seasonal flower shows. The park also houses over 130 insect species. Beyond its botanical richness, Empress Gardens offers a quiet escape from the city’s pace, making it a cherished spot for seeking a moment of calm amidst Pune’s urban sprawl.
Recently, as per a government resolution issued by the revenue and forest department on March 6, 2026, approximately one acre of the garden’s land has been proposed to be transferred into judicial use, in order to strengthen the city’s court infrastructure. This has led to much uproar from the garden’s managing body which stated that almost 100 to 150 fully grown trees will be lost because of this move. Further the prescribed area is currently being developed as a biodiversity park and the threat of more land being demanded from the park for this construction is very imminent.
The park’s managing body has stated that if this construction goes through, it will set a dangerous precedent, putting the city’s few remaining ecological zones at risk. The body has urged the government to look for alternative sites.
In a press conference, as reported by the Hindustan Times, they said, “Instead of appreciating efforts to conserve such spaces, this decision makes our work more difficult,” adding that they receive no financial assistance from the government for the park’s upkeep.
This controversy points to a larger, more urgent issue: the steady erosion of urban green spaces at a time when cities are already grappling with rising pollution levels. As AQI levels continue to climb across urban India, these ecological zones act as vital lungs, regulating air quality, temperature, and overall public health. Losing even small portions of such spaces can have disproportionate environmental consequences. Yet, development often continues to take precedence over conservation, revealing a gap in long-term urban planning. Protecting and expanding green zones is no longer optional, it is essential to ensure sustainable, liveable cities in the face of worsening climate and air quality crises.
Beyond their environmental value, spaces like Empress Gardens are also deeply tied to the city’s historical and cultural fabric. Much like landmarks such as Aga Khan Palace and Shaniwar Wada, they hold stories of the city’s past, of colonial influences, evolving urban landscapes, and long-standing community relationships with nature. To lose them is not only an ecological setback but also a cultural one, erasing layers of history that continue to shape the identity of the city today.
You can sign the petition opposing this takeover of the land and make your voice heard here.
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