Climate Activist Sonam Wangchuk to Lead ‘Chipko March’ in Pune: Key Details

Climate Activist Sonam Wangchuk to Lead 'Chipko March' in Pune: Key Details
On February 9, climate activist Sonam Wangchuk will join hundreds of citizens in Pune for a ‘Chipko March’ to protest the felling of trees for the controversial Riverfront Development (RFD) project. The march will begin at 3:30 pm from Kalmadi High School in Baner, near Jupiter Hospital, and proceed to the Ram-Mula Confluence.
The protesters are calling for the implementation of eco-friendly, sustainable river rejuvenation initiatives that prioritize a clean and safe river. They are accusing the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) of destroying vital greenery along the riverbank under the guise of the RFD project. In a symbolic act of protest, participants will hug the trees along the riverbank, forming a human chain to demonstrate their commitment to preserving the environment.
Pune River Revival, expressed concern about the situation at the Ram-Mula confluence, an area with a sacred grove of centuries-old trees. “These trees are ecological anchors, and our community has been involved in environmental education and nature walks here.”
Join us in protecting the Ram-Mula Devrai, Pune's last remaining sacred grove. Chipko March:
— prajakta mahajan (@ultra__sonic) January 27, 2025
Sun Feb 9thMeeting Point: Kalmadi High School (near Jupiter Hospital) at 3:30 PM Route: From Kalmadi High School to Ram-Mula confluence @PuneRivers @ChaloPmc @PKarve_Samuchit @HillsPune pic.twitter.com/HsCQaeFQb3
The march aims to shed light on the controversial tree tagging by PMC in the name of development and demand transparency regarding plans for the preservation of Pune’s natural heritage.