Pune River Revival Announces Chipko Padyatra On Feb 9 To Protect Riverside Ecosystems
Pune River Revival Announces Chipko Padyatra On Feb 9 To Protect Riverside Ecosystems
Pune River Revival, a coalition of concerned citizens and social organizations, has announced a Chipko Padyatra to highlight the critical importance of preserving riverside green patches and old-growth trees along Pune’s rivers. The event will take place on February 9, 2025, at 3:30 PM.
Drawing inspiration from India’s historic Chipko Movement, this peaceful march aims to raise public awareness about the vital role of riverside ecosystems in maintaining environmental balance and preserving Pune’s natural heritage. The initiative comes at a crucial time when urban development increasingly threatens these vulnerable green corridors.
The Chipko Padyatra seeks to educate people about the dangers posed by unsustainable development and climate change, including floods, declining groundwater levels, and the loss of vital natural resources. It aims to unite citizens for rejuvenation efforts and urges authorities to protect these crucial areas when planning future developments.
“Our riverside trees and wetlands are not just beautiful features of our landscape—they protect us from floods and diseases and help in groundwater recharge,” says Sanjeev Naik, a volunteer with Pune River Revival.
“Through this Chipko Padyatra, we hope to inspire our community to become active protectors of these irreplaceable natural assets. We want riverfront development, but it should be done in an eco-friendly manner, without cutting any trees,” added Arati Mhaskar, a Baner resident.
Key Participants and Route Details
Eminent personalities and activists Sonam Wangchuk, renowned globally for his work in nature conservation, and actor Sayaji Shinde from Sahyadri Devrai Samajik Sanstha will inaugurate the Padyatra. Students from schools and colleges in Baner, Balewadi, and Wakad, along with youth from various communities (vastis), concerned citizens from PMC and PCMC, and other supporting organizations will take part in the event.
The march will begin at Kalmadi High School near Jupiter Hospital in Baner and conclude at the sacred Ram-Mula confluence. Participants will walk to the confluence, hug old-growth trees, and write letters to the Prime Minister urging the protection of trees and rivers.
Event Details:
- Date: February 9, 2025
- Time: 3:30 PM
- Route: Kalmadi High School, Baner (near Jupiter Hospital) to Ram-Mula Confluence, Aundh-Balewadi Link Road, Baner
Participants are encouraged to bring pens, water bottles, and wear comfortable walking shoes. The use of public transport and ride-sharing is highly appreciated.
About Pune River Revival
Pune River Revival is a collaborative initiative involving over 60 organizations, experts, grassroots groups, and NGOs working in the environmental and social sectors, united for the cause of river restoration. A similar effort is underway in the PCMC region, where approximately 25 organizations are working toward the revival of the Mula, Pawana, and Indrayani rivers.
Recently, members of Pune River Revival met with Union Minister of Jal Shakti, C. R. Patil, and Rajya Sabha Member, Medha Kulkarni, in Delhi on February 6, 2025. They discussed concerns regarding the condition of Pune’s rivers and the threats posed by ongoing dumping and tree-felling along the Mula River. The minister has assured them that the matter will be addressed.
Key participants in the meeting were Shailaja Deshpande, Ajay Phatak, Ketaki Ghate, Mukund Mavalankar, Prajakta Mahajan, Shubha Kulkarni and representatives from the PCMC area.
This Chipko Padyatra aims to be a turning point in Pune’s environmental conservation efforts, bringing together concerned citizens to safeguard the city’s natural heritage.
