The Central Empowered Committee (CEC) directed a halt to construction for the Balbharti-Paud Phata road project, offering relief to environmentalists in Pune. The CEC instructed that no work be carried out in areas that are “Deemed Forest” through which the proposed 2.1 km road alignment passes. The directive follows a representation submitted by members of Vetal Tekdi Bachav Kruti Samiti.