Pune Activists Launch 'My River, My Valentine' to Oppose Riverfront Development Project
Environmental enthusiasts in Pune are gearing up for a unique initiative titled 'My River, My Valentine' this Saturday. The event aims to promote river-cleaning exercises among citizens while simultaneously opposing the ongoing Riverfront Development Project (RFD) spearheaded by the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC).
Citizen-Led Cleanup Drive at Bhide Bridge
According to the organizers, participants will gather to clean the river stretch near Bhide Bridge in Deccan starting at 7 am on Saturday. This grassroots effort seeks to draw attention to the pressing issue of river pollution, which activists argue should take precedence over cosmetic enhancements.
PMC's Riverfront Development Project Details
The PMC is planning to inaugurate the first phase of the RFD project on February 15. This initial segment involves a completed 1.5-kilometer-long stretch in Sangamwadi. Officials note that the entire project spans the full 44-kilometer length of the river in Pune.
In the initial phase, work was prioritized on a 3.7-kilometer stretch between Sangamwadi and Bund Garden. Currently, approximately 90% of the work on this section is complete, with the 1.5-kilometer Sangamwadi portion now finished in all respects.
Environmentalists Voice Concerns Over Pollution
Prominent environmentalists have raised serious concerns about the project's focus. Shyamla Desai, an environmental activist, emphasized, "The priority should be reducing river pollution. The administration and people should make efforts to clean the river first. The riverfront development project, which is just for show, should not be promoted without clean rivers."
Echoing this sentiment, Shailaja Deshpande of the Jeevitnadi organization, which works for river restoration, stated, "The quality of the river water has reduced drastically. The aim should be to improve river quality and not only beautification of the river banks."
Expansion Plans and Civic Amenities
Expansion of the RFD project is already underway on other segments, including a 5.5-kilometer stretch from Bund Garden to Mundhwa and an 8.1-kilometer stretch between Aundh and Balewadi. Adjacent to the riverfront, the PMC plans to develop various civic amenities, such as theme parks, according to PMC officials.
PMC Defends Project Legitimacy
A senior PMC official defended the project, stating, "The expert committees gave their report about the project. It passed all the tests in the legal battle. So we are going ahead with it. The administration aims to provide access to the river for citizens with recreational facilities." The official emphasized that the project was completed with due process and legal approvals.
The 'My River, My Valentine' event highlights the growing tension between development initiatives and environmental conservation in Pune, with activists calling for a renewed focus on ecological health over infrastructural aesthetics.
