Pune: Concerned Citizens united in a remarkable unity to protect environment & stop degradation at Durga Tekdi by forming a human chain to protest against the projects threatening the existing Natural spaces and nature and more importantly the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation’s (PCMC) Riverfront Development (RFD) initiative.
The event, organised as part of the River Conservation 2.0 and Durga Tekdi Mission collaboration, aimed to preserve natural ecosystems and raise awareness among morning walkers through placards and hoardings.
Over 250 participants, including children accompanied by elders, joined the protest. Morning walkers at Durga Tekdi enthusiastically supported the movement by taking photos with placards bearing messages about environmental conservation and sharing them on social media platforms. Protesters voiced their opposition to redevelopment projects harming nature, such as the proposed water tank and other constructions at Durga Tekdi, as well as the RFD initiative.
Participants of all ages chanted slogans like “Tree cutting must stop!”, “Clean the rivers first,” and “If rivers can’t be conserved, empty chairs!” They declared solidarity with the Pavana, Mula, and Indrayani rivers, emphasizing that this was a battle to protect nature.
Protesters advocated for sustainable development practices that respect natural habitats and biodiversity. They stressed that redevelopment must not come at the cost of destroying green spaces like hills and rivers—lifelines for millions in Pimpri-Chinchwad.
Local NGOs, organizations working in social sector, and concerned citizens and scientific experts collaborated to amplify the message of ecological preservation over urban expansion. Protesters highlighted the need to restore rivers like Pavana, Mula, and Indrayani to their natural states while opposing artificial embankments and recreational infrastructure that disrupt wetlands and wildlife habitats and natural green canopy. This demonstration is part of a broader campaign advocating for pollution-free rivers and sustainable management of natural resources.
The movement continues to gain momentum across Pune, with plans to extend awareness campaigns to multiple locations to ensure widespread citizen engagement in protecting nature.
For years, Pimpri-Chinchwad’s rivers have suffered from pollution and neglect. Despite persistent appeals from all sections of society and concerned citizens, meaningful action remains elusive. Beyond being water sources, these rivers hold immense cultural and historical significance but continue to be overlooked.
A similar protest was held on 9th March at Chafekar Chowk in Chinchwad. On 15th March, the group took their awareness campaign to Balewadi; on 23rd March, it reached Pimple Saudagar; and today it culminated at Durga Tekdi. The group plans to continue spreading awareness across the city to reach a wider audience.
