Protesters in Pune oppose riverfront development project

Over 150 people formed a human chain on Sunday morning in Pune to protest a riverfront development project. The protest took place at Kokane Chowk in Pimple Saudagar and involved a coalition of 60 organizations focused on river revival. This demonstration follows a similar protest on March 9, where more than 200 citizens gathered to voice their concerns. During the protest, participants marched in a nearby park, raising awareness about the potential dangers the project poses to local rivers, including the Mula, Mutha, and Pavana. People of all ages chanted slogans emphasizing their demands, such as "Tree cutting must stop" and "Clean the rivers first." The protesters stressed that their goal is to restore these rivers to their natural state, as they are crucial for the well-being of over 3 million residents in the area. Volunteer Prajakta Mahajan pointed out the rising temperatures, reaching 40 degrees Celsius in March, warning that the situation will worsen if development projects continue. Local NGOs and environmentalists argue that urban expansion should not come at the cost of ecological preservation. Protesters are particularly against the construction of artificial embankments and recreational areas under the riverfront development plan, advocating instead for the protection of trees, wetlands, and wildlife habitats. They believe these large-scale projects could further harm the environment and public health. There were calls for authorities to shift their focus towards pollution control and proper waste management, questioning the necessity of such development. Organizers warned that protests could escalate if demands remain unaddressed, describing the riverfront project as more about beautification than genuine environmental improvement. The Pune Municipal Corporation received environmental clearance for the contentious Mula-Mutha project, which includes cutting down over 7,500 trees and constructing recreational spaces. Work has already begun on part of the project, despite strong opposition from the community. Environmentalists are urging greater protection for trees on the riverbanks and are seeking support from local authorities to halt ongoing development activities.