Eight years later, after spending Rs1 crore on the project, the space is in utter disrepair. A visit by TOI to the structure in Feb revealed dirt and dried leaves everywhere, small animal skeletons lying around, a festoon of cobwebs and a bathroom without a door. The centre is not only inaccessible to the public but also misses out on some most basic facilities for its purpose, like coin-operated telescopes for birdwatching. “The spot was inaugurated in 2018 for the first time, after which work began. Since then, it has been inaugurated on a few more occasions, each time for some new work. This centre could have been a great space to watch the birds that visit the Model Colony Lake Nature Reserve, as it is called, and get children excited about conservation, especially as we are surrounded by many schools,” said Pankaj Anand, secretary of the Model Colony Parisar Sudharna Samiti (MCPSS). The group had taken initiative not just for building the centre, but also for conservation of the lake. “A hub like this is key to learning about nature and teaching people, especially future generations, about how even the smallest efforts as a community can help in conservation. It’s important, especially given the rampant redevelopment taking over the city,” he added. The design of the structure has creatively been inspired by the flight and landing of birds. It overlooks the core part of the lake, cleverly camouflaged by a thicket of trees. It has a deck, winding steps and a mezzanine to view the lake and sky. The ground level was intended for informal discussions or gatherings. MCPSS founder-member Shyamala Desai said, “Spaces like this are extremely important to preserve biodiversity and natural habitats in rapidly changing neighbourhoods like ours. On one hand, just a few finalities remain before the space can be opened up to the public, but the civic body is not acknowledging that much of what they installed years ago may now need repair or maintenance due to disuse. This means more money, time and resources spent, which could have been easily avoided.” The saga began over a decade ago in 2015, when former Member of Parliament (MP) Anil Shirole was instrumental in getting PMC to sanction Rs1 crore for the science and birdwatching centre. However, it took one-and-a-half years before the sum could be set aside and tendering completed for work to actually start. The centre was originally scheduled to open to the public in Aug 2019, but continues to lie in ruins in 2026. Meanwhile, in 2017, members of MCPSS and the Ecological Society trust began monitoring the lake area to map and track biodiversity. Their findings highlighted that the spot had the characteristics of a good wetland ecosystem, along with a healthy population of water, garden and forest birds. In addition, the habitat also supports butterflies, bees, bats, turtles and mongooses. Conservation of the lake and proper functioning of the centre go hand-in-hand, explained Vikramsinh Mohite, president of MCPSS. “We can’t look at the two of them in isolation. The lake presents a unique experience in the heart of Pune for people of all ages. It must be developed and used to fulfil this purpose. PMC could even use the centre and lake ecosystem under a model initiative to involve public and private entities, NGOs and citizens to work together for the environment,” Mohite said. Many area residents feel closely connected to the spot and disappointed at its neglect. “I was born and brought up in this neighbourhood and my mother, a zoologist, was a vocal advocate of preserving nature and specifically the lake. I have planted trees here as a child and nurtured them for years. So, every small development is very personal for me,” said local resident Shabnum Poonawalla, adding, “The current state of the centre is most disheartening. It was supposed to be a space aimed at encouraging younger generations to learn and feel for nature. Each time we have followed up with PMC’s garden department, we were told there are no funds, just a few more things are pending, and so on. The project has been inaugurated multiple times, just never used.” She further said, “We are not asking for a lot when we want the authorities to share their plans for any project with citizens. However, most officials are either disengaged from the people they are building the facilities for, or don’t do anything at all. There is a lot PMC can do to help us in our effort of saving such spaces. All they have to do is ask.” Expert Speak The lake is a wonderful space for local and resident wetland birds. It is important for citizens to be introduced to such habitats and their species. This centre overlooking the lake will not just provide a vantage point for birdwatchers, but also serve as a good way to teach people about the beings that live alongside humans. Such spaces both enhance an experience like birdwatching and serve as a crucial tool to introduce new enthusiasts to these activities — Arijit Jere | Ecologist Everything for the centre was planned and handed over to PMC in 2015. There were supposed to be telescopes and TV monitors showcasing birds and the aquatic life in the lake. The design was planned without cutting a single tree, an asset given the prime location. If it’s not functional, the centre is a waste of public money and the time put in by all those associated with the project. It’s sad that the authorities aren’t taking this issue more seriously, especially since this place will help generate awareness about the environment and conservation — Narendra Dengle | Architect Officials Say Infrastructure of the birding centre is pretty much finished. If I am not wrong, telescopes are the only thing pending. A few years ago, I had given around Rs10 lakh from the MLA funds for windows and some other pending work. I will see what else is left and get it done — Siddharth Shirole | Member of Legislative Assembly, Shivajinagar We have requested for some funds in the upcoming budget to complete unfinished works at the observatory. Mainly the telescope and all electrical work is pending. It should cost Rs15-20lakh. Once the budget is done in April, all processes should be completed by May. We will immediately get to work thereafter. June is the tentative deadline we are looking at to open the space — Ashok Ghorpade | Chief garden superintendent, garden department, PMC
