Pune Citizens Mobilise Against Riverfront Development Project
As Pune grapples with the ongoing Riverfront Development (RFD) project, which has sparked heated debates across the city, the concerns of environmentalists and local citizens are beginning to find a more prominent voice. Recently, Rajya Sabha MP Medha Kulkarni presented these concerns to Maharashtra’s Guardian Minister Ajit Pawar, urging the state to reconsider the project’s potential environmental impact. Kulkarni’s focus has been on the protection of trees and the river ecosystem, particularly the area around the Ram-Mula confluence, where construction activities have already started. Her message was clear: the RFD should progress without causing harm to nature. This push from Kulkarni is not just political, but part of a larger public movement that seeks to make the development more sustainable, balancing growth with environmental preservation.
On the ground, the opposition to the RFD is gaining momentum, with the Pune River Revival group leading the charge. They have called for a Chipko March on February 9 under the banner of “Save Trees, Save Rivers”. The march, which will start at Kalmadi High School and conclude at the Ram-Mula confluence, is aimed at raising awareness about the adverse effects of the project. The marchers intend to hug trees that have been marked for removal, highlighting the significance of these old-growth heritage trees. Prajakta Mahajan, a key member of the group, noted that many of these trees are centuries old and have vital ecological roles. She stressed that while the group is not opposed to the RFD in principle, they seek an eco-friendly, sustainable approach that doesn’t sacrifice Pune’s natural resources in the name of urban development.
The primary grievance, however, lies in the unclear motivations behind the ongoing survey of trees and the vague plans for the promenade and other constructions. Citizens are particularly concerned that the development could exacerbate flooding in already vulnerable areas. Meghna Bhandari, an architect from Balewadi, highlighted the risks of inadequate flood control systems, referencing the devastating 2019 floods that caused significant damage, including forcing the closure of Jupiter Hospital. “Many people still don’t know how the RFD could affect flooding in their localities,” she said. Bhandari’s comments underscore the need for greater awareness and transparency surrounding the project, particularly in flood-prone zones.
From a sustainability perspective, the protestors are urging a reevaluation of the RFD plans with an eye towards reducing the environmental impact of urbanisation. The Pune River Revival group has already submitted alternative designs for the project to the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), suggesting that development can proceed in a manner that protects the city’s green cover while still catering to urban expansion. The issue of balancing ecological sustainability with urban development is particularly critical for Pune, a city that has seen rapid urban growth and is now grappling with the challenges of managing both its natural and built environments. The protestors, while firm in their opposition to the current approach, are hopeful that the authorities will listen and incorporate more eco-friendly practices into the RFD, ensuring a better future for both the city and its citizens.
