Context:
The 2025 Pune Chipko protest matches the same movement in the 1970s, where locals are against the Riverfront Development Project (4,727 crore INR). Protesters insist that the trees will be threatened, the altered river ecology comes first in concrete rather than the sustainable restoration of it.
Main Concerns and Objections
Deforestation & Sacred Groves
- Trees are being geotagged by protesters to write their presence, such as students and environmentalists.
- Activists claim 22,000 trees will be felled whereas PMC claims 10,800 will be felled excluding 11,000 shifted.
- Traditional and ancient sacred groves, traditionally protected remnants of forests, are also under threat.
Project’s Effects on River Ecologies
- The river would be “pinched” to enhance flow. Environmentalists are concerned as it could make flooding worse.
- Barrages would rather slow down river cleansing.
- Problems with regard to concreting the riverfront are raised, which might not be valid in the case of non perennial rivers in Pune.
No Transparency & Public Consultation
- Activists such as Sonam Wangchuk state that there is no public consultation at any level in the whole planning process.
- Left out of consideration are alternative, environmentally friendly solutions put forth by groups of citizens.
- PMC and PMRDA supposedly failed to acknowledge the existence of some rivers, which obliges activists to demonstrate this in court.
Riverfront Development Project
Riverfront development projects comprise plans for the improvement of the riverfront, that is, riverbanks, habitat, and public access to the river. Other projects might include beautification, recreation, and even tourism.
Examples of Riverfront Development Projects
- Sabarmati Riverfront Development
- One of the first riverfront development projects in India, the project was initiated in 2000 and had been continuing. Restoring the city’s relationship with the river and making it accessible to the public was the idea behind it.
- Pune Riverfront Development
- This beautification program on Mula Mutha River includes its concreting and some walls.
- Brahmaputra Riverfront Development
- It is aimed at waterfront revitalization and creating tourism, economic activities, and recreation.
- Godavari River Development
- Stormwater drainage is one of the main components of this city development plan.
