Pune Kothrud Residents Protest Road Construction Over Natural Stream
In a growing dispute over urban development and environmental preservation, residents of Kothrud have launched a campaign against the Pune Municipal Corporation’s (PMC) road construction project over a natural stream. The proposed 180-metre-long road, aimed at improving connectivity, has drawn sharp criticism from locals and environmentalists who argue that it endangers aquatic biodiversity and increases flood risks. In a show of collective opposition, over 140 residents recently signed a petition, demanding an immediate halt to the project. Their concern is rooted in the impact on local flora and fauna, as well as the potential for waterlogging and flooding during the monsoon season.
Prominent voices from the community have expressed their discontent. Prashant Velankar, an environmental activist, criticised the civic body’s decision, stating, “PMC is violating fundamental environmental principles. Constructing over a natural stream disrupts biodiversity and contradicts Supreme Court rulings that prohibit construction on natural water bodies.” Local shop owner Anand Paraswar further highlighted the practical dangers, warning that blocking the stream could lead to water levels rising uncontrollably, potentially flooding nearby shops and residences during heavy rains. He stressed the need for an independent environmental audit before such projects are undertaken, arguing that the civic body should prioritise scientific feasibility over infrastructural expansion.
Civic and Urban Development Challenges
The Kothrud protest underscores a broader civic issue—the lack of sustainable planning in urban development. Pune, like many Indian cities, faces a delicate balancing act between infrastructure growth and environmental conservation. The unregulated construction over natural water bodies has historically led to urban flooding, as seen in Mumbai and Bengaluru, where poor drainage planning caused severe monsoon inundation. With Pune’s rapid urbanisation, the absence of comprehensive environmental impact assessments (EIAs) before initiating such projects raises concerns about long-term sustainability.
This is not the first time that citizens have opposed infrastructural projects affecting natural ecosystems. Across India, similar movements have gained momentum, with urban residents advocating for eco-sensitive planning. In Bengaluru’s Bellandur Lake case, rampant encroachments and unplanned urbanisation led to toxic froth and severe pollution, compelling the government to take corrective measures. The Kothrud protest could set a precedent for Pune’s approach to sustainable urban planning, emphasising the need for integrating ecological assessments in civic projects.
Sustainability and Environmental Implications
The construction of roads over natural streams contradicts Pune’s sustainability goals. Experts argue that such projects disrupt natural water flow, impact groundwater recharge, and destroy aquatic habitats. Streams play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance, acting as natural drainage systems that mitigate urban flooding. Covering them with concrete infrastructure not only threatens local biodiversity but also increases the city’s vulnerability to extreme weather events.
In response, environmentalists and urban planners have called for alternative solutions that balance development with sustainability. Proposals include elevated walkways or bridges that maintain the water flow without obstructing the stream, as well as scientific urban drainage planning that prevents flooding. With growing concerns over climate resilience, civic bodies must adopt environmentally responsible practices, ensuring that infrastructure expansion does not come at the cost of ecological destruction. The outcome of the Kothrud campaign could influence future urban policies, reinforcing the importance of sustainable city planning.
