Citizens Uprising Against RFD Grows as PMC, PCMC Mull Plan Revisions
Opposition to the Riverfront Development (RFD) project in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad has intensified after a large public protest at Shahid Kamthe Garden in Pimple Nilakh. Hundreds of residents, activists, and environmentalists demanded a complete review of the RFD plan, accusing authorities of prioritizing economic gains over environmental concerns. Protesters highlighted issues like untreated sewage polluting rivers and construction waste narrowing floodplains. Deputy speaker of the legislative assembly visited the site, ordered a halt to ongoing work, and promised an inquiry. Meanwhile, PMC had earlier announced revisions to avoid tree felling at select locations, while PCMC has instructed its departments to submit a conservation-focused proposal within two months. However, PCMC’s commissioner said they have not received any formal instruction to stop the work and that all necessary approvals from regulatory bodies had been obtained.
Despite state support for the project, citizens and experts argue that RFD focuses on beautification at the cost of devastating river ecosystems, mass tree cutting, and loss of biodiversity. They warned about the destruction of wetlands, ancient cultural landmarks, and vital bird habitats along the riverbanks. Ongoing works between Wakad and Sangvi have already seen large-scale tree felling. Future phases aim to extend to the Indrayani and Pavana rivers. Environmental groups, like Pune River Revival, pledged to continue their movement, calling for an immediate stop to tree cutting, untreated sewage discharge, and riverbank destruction. With around 3,000 people joining Sunday's protest, the momentum against the RFD project is only growing stronger.
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