Pune Citizens Rally to Oppose Riverfront Development Project

Over 5,000 residents join Chipko March, demanding eco-friendly alternatives to protect rivers and trees from large-scale development.

The Chipko March, inspired by the historic Chipko movement, saw over 5,000 participants from Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad advocating for the preservation of riverside ecosystems.
Protesters criticized the ongoing Mula-Mutha Riverfront Development project for its environmental impact, including tree felling and threats to wetlands and groundwater recharge areas.
The march featured prominent voices like environmentalist Sonam Wangchuk and actor Sayaji Shinde, who emphasized the need for sustainable urban development.
Participants embraced ancient trees, wrote letters to the Prime Minister, and called for a revised, eco-friendly riverfront development plan that involves citizen consultation.
The movement has united over 85 organizations and aims to protect vital natural resources while opposing non-sustainable development practices.