Pune: In a strong stand for environmental conservation, over 100 citizens assembled at Linear Garden near Kokane Chowk in Pimple Saudagar, forming a human chain to oppose the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation’s (PCMC) Riverfront Development (RFD) project. The protest, part of the ongoing River Conservation 2.0 movement, aimed to highlight river pollution concerns while rejecting unnecessary construction along the city’s riverbanks.
As the demonstration gained traction, morning joggers, walkers, and cyclists were engaged by passionate environmental activists who explained the ecological risks posed by the RFD project. The protest drew participation from people of all ages, including children and senior citizens, who chanted slogans such as “Stop cutting trees!”, “Clean the rivers first!” and “Protect rivers, not concrete walls!” Participants voiced their commitment to safeguarding the Pavana, Mula, and Indrayani rivers, stressing the need for restoration rather than commercialization.
Local NGOs, environmental organizations, and concerned citizens joined forces to advocate for ecological preservation over urban expansion. Protesters emphasized that the three rivers, which serve as vital water sources for over 30 lakh residents, must be restored to their natural state. They strongly opposed artificial embankments and recreational infrastructure, instead calling for the conservation of trees, wetlands, and wildlife habitats along the riverbanks.
The protest is part of a broader initiative demanding pollution-free rivers and sustainable management practices. Protesters raised concerns that large-scale development projects like the RFD could lead to further environmental degradation, loss of biodiversity, and long-term public health risks. Many questioned the necessity of such developments and urged authorities to focus on waste management and pollution control instead. They also warned that if their concerns continued to be ignored, future demonstrations would escalate, including protests at government offices.
For years, the rivers of Pimpri Chinchwad have suffered from pollution and neglect, with environmentalists and citizens continuously appealing for intervention. Despite their ecological, cultural, and historical significance, these rivers remain under threat due to unchecked urbanization.
This protest follows similar demonstrations by the same group, including a human chain at Chafekar Chowk in Chinchwad on March 9 and an awareness campaign at Balewadi on March 15. With their movement now reaching Pimple Saudagar, the group plans to expand their efforts across the city, ensuring widespread awareness and greater public involvement in the fight for river conservation.
