The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has come under fire for approving ₹1.51 crore to a private agency, Aditya Environmental Services Pvt Ltd, to secure Environmental Clearance (EC) for the Balbharati to Paud Phata road project. This funding comes despite the agency having already conducted an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) in 2019. The project, outlined in Pune's Development Plan, has faced significant opposition from environmentalists and local citizens due to concerns over environmental degradation. The PMC's Standing Committee, led by chairman Srinath Bhimale, justified the expenditure for four seasonal surveys required for the EC. The Supreme Court has previously ruled that obtaining EC is mandatory for this project, directing the State Expert Appraisal Committee (SEAC) to hold hearings on the matter. Critics, including State Youth Congress chief Akshay Jain, have labeled the PMC's actions as a misuse of funds, suggesting that the decision favors contractors over community welfare. The total project cost is estimated at ₹252 crore.