Lok Sabha 2024 : Pune candidates pledge to preserve Vetal Tekdi

Candidates vying for the Pune Lok Sabha seat have made commitments to safeguard Vetal Tekdi from detrimental development projects, as outlined by members of the Vetal Tekdi Bachav Kriti Samiti.

Representatives of the organization met with BJP candidate Murlidhar Mohol on Sunday, Congress nominee Ravindra Dhangekar on Saturday, and VBA’s Vasant More several weeks prior. They presented their demands for the protection of the city’s hills, emphasizing their significance as crucial natural water infrastructure, alongside calls for enhancements to the public transport system.

Assurances were given by Dhangekar regarding the pivotal role of water, acknowledging concerns over the problematic implementation of the riverfront development project. The activists noted that the Congress candidate engaged with them for over an hour, attentively listening to their grievances.

The Vetal Tekdi Bachav Kriti Samiti has been actively involved in the conservation of hills and the preservation of urban forests within the city.

Prajakta Divekar, a member of the samiti, emphasized, “Our manifesto primarily emphasizes the importance of hills, rivers, and water channels as critical water infrastructure that must be safeguarded at all costs.” She further stressed the interconnectedness of water issues with public transportation, highlighting the adverse impact of major transport infrastructure projects on Vetal Tekdi. Divekar reiterated the necessity of preserving the existing environment to effectively manage urban challenges such as heat, pollution, and water sustainability.

Divekar also expressed gratitude for Mohol’s impromptu meeting on the hill, where assurances were given regarding the administrative process for projects like the Balbharati-Paud Phata road. Mohol reassured the group that no actions would be taken without consensus from citizens, emphasizing the compatibility of development and environmental preservation.

During his previous interaction with the Vetal hill group, VBA nominee More voiced concerns about the damaging effects of the riverfront development project and advocated for a reassessment. Residents appreciated More’s support for the cause on various public platforms.

As Pune’s Lok Sabha hopefuls pledge their commitment to preserving Vetal Tekdi, the spotlight remains on the importance of balancing development with environmental conservation in the city’s future endeavors.