Punekars Stage Silent Protest, Urge Civic Action to Prevent River Flooding
Shivajinagar, 25th August 2024: Pune witnessed a strong show of community solidarity as more than 400 citizens participated in a silent march towards Lakdi Pul on Sunday, standing with residents affected by recent floods in the city. The march, titled “Save River, Save Lives,” was initiated by over 15 organizations, including Jeevitnadi, Jal Biradari, the National Society for Clean Cities, the National Alliance for People’s Movement, and Pune River Revival. It garnered support from over 70 organizations, all of whom took a pledge to protect Pune’s rivers.
The march began at 4 pm in front of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj Park, with participants tying blue rakhis to symbolize their commitment to safeguarding the rivers. The citizens vowed not to encroach upon riverbeds, refrain from dumping debris into the river, avoid polluting it with sewage and garbage, and protect the biodiversity along the riverbanks.
Prominent figures such as activists Sarang Yadwadkar, Shailaja Deshpande, and Vivek Velankar, along with RJ Sangram, former MLA Mohan Joshi, and former Rajya Sabha member Vandana Chavan, were among the participants.
“The atmosphere was charged with emotion,” said Santosh Lalwani, an organizer and member of Pune River Revival. “We have seen firsthand the devastation caused by a river that has been mistreated. It entered homes and endangered lives. Encroachments on both sides of the river have forced it to overflow and flood the city. This march is our way of expressing our concerns.”
The group plans to convene a joint meeting to explore ways to mitigate future flood risks. They also intend to write to the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) chief, urging immediate action.
The participants’ demands include the immediate removal of all obstructions, dykes, and solid waste from the river, providing relief to flood victims, defining flood lines for the river and its tributaries, and ensuring that urban planning adheres to these regulations. They also called for a scientific survey and mapping of groundwater sources along the riverbanks, with subsequent implementation of conservation measures.
“The flood-carrying capacity of Pune’s rivers has been severely compromised,” said Mohan Joshi. “There are numerous encroachments on the riverbed, and unfortunately, the largest encroacher is the PMC itself. Under the guise of the so-called River Front Development project, the civic body has reduced the river’s width by over 40%.”
This march and the accompanying demands highlight the urgent need for sustainable river management to prevent future disasters and protect the lives and livelihoods of Pune’s residents.
