Pune News: Pimpri Chinchwad Citizens’ Protest Raises Alarm Over Pavana River Rejuvenation Project
Pune News: Pimpri Chinchwad Citizens’ Protest Raises Alarm Over Pavana River Rejuvenation Project
In a creative and impactful protest, approximately 80 citizens, including local youth and residents, gathered in Akurdi on the evening of 13th July to voice objections to the Pavana River Rejuvenation Project through street plays, songs, and visual placards.
The crowd drew significant attention from passersby who paused to read messages, listen to performances, and ask questions about the state of the river. The event succeeded in generating heightened awareness about river health and civic engagement.
Last week the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) received crucial environmental clearance for its ambitious Rs 1,500 crore Pavana River Rejuvenation Project, a stretch that spans around 24.4 km through Pimpri‑Chinchwad.
The planned riverbank embankments and development threaten the rich biodiversity along Pavana’s banks, home to native birds, reptiles, turtles, and trees. Citizens fear loss of the natural heritage that connects the rivers to Chinchwad’s early settlement zones. This is not a river cleaning project. Around 80% of the budget of this project is for construction activities.
The citizens think that the rejuvenation must prioritize biodiversity, native vegetation preservation, and pollution control over beautification and jogging tracks. This protest represents an effective model of citizen engagement—using arts, culture, and local voice to hold civic agencies accountable. Citizens are increasingly invested in preserving the Mula, Pavana, and Indrayani rivers.
