Overview

• Youth Congress and NSUI protesters disrupted the groundbreaking ceremony for a proposed building on 15% of the BMCC ground in Pune, citing a lack of justification for using the historic community space.
• DES officials admitted in writing that 15% of the ground would be used for construction and assured that sports areas, including cricket and football fields, would remain intact.
• The project will involve cutting 26 trees, with replanting and upkeep responsibilities outlined in the tender, as per environmental regulations.
• DES has requested 15 days to formally address the protesters' concerns through its education and management councils.
• Protesters, supported by former students and professionals, have threatened legal action and broader community mobilization if their demands to preserve the open ground are not met.