Pune: PCMC Residents Form Human Chain to Oppose Riverfront Development and Demand River Conservation
Chinchwad, 10th March 2025: More than 200 residents and environmental activists gathered on Sunday morning at Chafekar Chowk in Chinchwad today, forming a human chain to protest the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation’s (PCMC) Riverfront Development (RFD) project. The demonstrators demanded urgent action to clean and protect local rivers, including the Pavana, Mula, and Indrayani, while opposing construction along riverbanks.
The protesters emphasized the need to prioritize river purification, ensure 100% sewage treatment, and preserve natural river ecosystems rather than develop artificial riverfronts with amenities like jogging tracks. Several local NGOs, environmental organizations, and social foundations joined the initiative, reinforcing their commitment to protecting Pimpri Chinchwad’s rivers.
Residents assembled at 8 AM at Chafekar Chowk, raising concerns about the deteriorating condition of the city’s rivers, which serve as vital water sources for over 30 lakh people. They stressed the need to restore rivers to their natural state, maintain biodiversity, and prevent further encroachment on riverbanks.
“Our rivers are already struggling due to pollution and mismanagement. Instead of beautification projects, we need real solutions that will restore the rivers and keep them alive,” said one of the protesters.
The event is part of a broader movement to raise awareness about the environmental risks of large-scale infrastructure projects like the RFD. Protesters questioned the necessity and impact of the project, arguing that such developments could lead to ecological degradation and public health issues. They warned authorities that if their concerns were not addressed, they would intensify protests, including gheraoing PCMC officials.
Pimpri Chinchwad’s rivers have long suffered from neglect, unchecked pollution, and inadequate conservation efforts. Despite repeated demands from citizens, environmentalists, and public representatives to revitalize these water bodies, little action has been taken. Protesters highlighted that rivers hold cultural and historical significance, yet they continue to face both governmental and public neglect.
By forming a human chain, residents sent a strong message about the urgency of river conservation. The protest underscored the collective responsibility of the people of Pimpri Chinchwad to protect their rivers for future generations.
The citizens vowed to continue their fight until authorities prioritize environmental sustainability over commercial development.
