Pune Residents Rally to Stop Pollution, Preserve Riverbanks in Chipko March

Baner, 10th February 2025: Thousands of citizens from Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad gathered for the Chipko Padyatra, a march organized by Pune River Revival to advocate for the protection of riverside ecosystems. The event on Sunday saw overwhelming participation from people of all ages, including school students, senior citizens, environmentalists, and residents from various localities.

The march began at Kalmadi High School in Baner and concluded at Ram-Mula Sangam. Prominent environmentalist Sonam Wangchuk, former MP Vandana Chavan, RJ Sangram and acclaimed actor Sayaji Shinde were among the key figures present, both emphasizing the urgent need to safeguard Pune’s riverbanks and the old-growth trees that line them. Participants echoed the sentiment that the river is a shared responsibility, crucial to the city’s environmental health.

At the culmination of the march, hundreds of participants symbolically hugged trees along the riverbanks, underscoring their commitment to protecting these natural resources. As part of the “Nadi Ki Baat” initiative, thousands of letters were penned to the Prime Minister, urging action on river conservation. The event also featured cultural expressions, with children presenting songs and poems dedicated to river preservation, and Sayaji Shinde reciting a self-composed poem.

Key Demands from Pune River Revival:

Pune River Revival outlined several key demands during the event, calling on authorities to:

– Cease the discharge of sewage into the river.
– Prevent the reduction of the river’s width and prohibit landfilling activities.
– Protect trees, ecosystems, and wetlands along the riverbanks.
– Safeguard groundwater sources from contamination.
– Ensure riverbank improvement projects are eco-friendly and sustainable.
– Utilize local, nature-based products and technologies in conservation efforts.
– Involve citizens and experts in decision-making processes, ensuring transparency throughout.