Rain or shine, PCMC witnesses a human chain every Sunday against RFD project

The citizens who are participating in the protests said the current rainfall has made them more concerned about RFD. “As we can all see, the rivers of Pune are dying. There is a lot of pollution in the river, people are facing issues related to the foam that forms in it, and fishes and other aquatic animals are dying. Trees are being cut, but instead of addressing these issues, the government is intent on river beautification,” says Ganesh Bora, an environment-conscious citizen.

He adds that the felling of trees on the river banks and the construction of concrete walls on both sides of the river reduced its space. “We are seeing that there is a change in the behaviour of the rain. There is a lot of rain in a short duration. If the river’s width is reduced, we are looking at a catastrophe in the future,” says Bora. “We highlight the issue every day, but keep Sundays for the special human chain in different parts of the city to generate public awareness.”

“An important part of the agitation is to create public awareness about the RFD project. We have black cards with slogans and illustrations that talk about the damage to the river and the ecosystem, and the possible consequences for the city,” says a participant in the agitation. “A fundamental question is of our existence. Will our cities be liveable in the coming years?” he adds.

According to Dhananjay Shedbale, one of the protesters, policymakers are taking note of their voices. “Madhuri Misal, Maharashtra Minister of State for Urban Development, recently convened a meeting on the sustainable rejuvenation of Pavana and Indrayani rivers. BJP legislator Mahesh Landge has spoken about this and said that the discussion focused on various key aspects related to the long-term revival and conservation of these vital rivers,” says Shedbale.

“In spite of all the challenges involved in organising human chains, which include standing in the sun and rain, gathering a movement and connecting people, we are encouraged that our voice is reaching out to the masses,” he says.