‘Stop River-Front Development’: Pune residents demand river cleanups instead of concrete embankments

Pune residents with posters at the protest site

“Concrete embankments under RFD have the potential to significantly harm biodiversity by disrupting the delicate ecosystem of the river banks, leading to the loss of habitat for various flora and fauna, and potentially impacting the natural balance of the riparian zone. The modification of river edges in natural ways in Siddha Peeth can be a role model for upcoming RFDs,” said Vaishali Gaikwad of the Aarambh Foundation.

“The priority is first to make rivers pollution-free by avoiding effluents and untreated output from Sewage Treatment Plants (STP) being discharged into the rivers. Every river and incoming stream needs to be rejuvenated from source to confluence. And in the case of RFD implementation, it must be done while respecting biological elements. However, such projects come at the cost of disturbing the ecosystem, leading to adverse consequences. Moreover, these projects are being carried out without studying eco-sensitive areas, and citizens are overlooked when deciding on the RFD projects, tree felling, and flood management,” said Shailaja Deshpande of Jeevitnadi Foundation.

In response to the citizen’s demands at the protest site, Amit Gorkhe, a Member of the Legislative Council, said that he will arrange a meeting with Pankaja Munde, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, in the coming week. (Express photo)

“The microbes, fishes, insects, and other microorganisms in the river ecosystem would clean the rivers by themselves provided we stop the untreated sewage water from entering them. How can the riverfront be embellished by felling trees? Roughly, five trees can nullify the carbon released by one air conditioner, how can we match the balance of ever-increasing carbon emissions by cutting them (trees)? Citizens haven’t asked for such projects nor do we intend such growth and development that harms ecology,” said participant Vaishali Dalvi.

“Nashik’s Goda Park project has caused a loss of riverine ecology. The extensive concretisation of the riverbanks has blocked water structures and changed the river’s natural flow. This has led to flooding and lateral erosion in the surrounding areas. The same can be witnessed in Pune if RFD continues,” added Dalvi.

“RFD will significantly damage the river ecology, increasing flood risks by narrowing the riverbed, and potentially leading to further environmental degradation through construction activities along the riverbanks, essentially prioritising aesthetics over the health of the river system”, said Ramesh Sardesai, 82, a participant.

In response to the citizen’s demands at the protest site, Amit Gorkhe, a Member of the Legislative Council, said that he will arrange a meeting with Pankaja Munde, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, in the coming week to present the demands and would urge the chief minister to look into the matter.

Shubham Kurale is an intern with The Indian Express