Pune Citizens Push For Green Agenda In Upcoming Maharashtra Assembly Elections
Pune Citizens Push For Green Agenda In Upcoming Maharashtra Assembly Elections
As Maharashtra prepares for its assembly polls, Pune’s citizens are taking a bold stance on environmental issues. Civil society groups have released manifestos demanding urgent action to protect the city’s rivers, public spaces, and hills.
The Pune River Revival group has unveiled a 16-point citizens’ manifesto, emphasizing the need to protect riverside ecology, safeguard floodplains and wetlands, and reevaluate the Riverbank Improvement Project. The group demands completion of JICA-funded projects to tackle Mula-Mutha river pollution with public participation and transparency.
If you want our vote, protect our rivers and trees. @ChaloPmc @PKarve_Samuchit @jbaphna https://t.co/0VZICzmMM2
— prajakta mahajan (@ultra__sonic) November 9, 2024
Citizens are also concerned about the construction boom, urging the new government to replace affidavit-based water supply assurances with expert assessments of local water availability. Mandatory rainwater harvesting and rooftop solar installations for government and military buildings are also sought.
Other manifestos, such as the Pune Citizen Manifesto and Maharashtra Urban Mobility Charter of Demands, demand deletion of projects harming the environment and promotion of renewable energy. “The topic of the environment is linked to our existence and future but is taking a backseat,” said Angad Patwardhan of Vetal Tekdi Bachav Kruti Samiti while talking to the media.
Air pollution, destruction of open spaces, and green areas are critical concerns. “A lot of people will vote for candidates with a better track record in environmental protection,” said Ranjit Gadgil of Parisar while talking to the media. Mukund Mavalankar emphasized the need for politicians to prioritize climate change mitigation.
v"Today it is the Vetal Tekdi, tomorrow it is going to be the other hills in #Pune. This has to stop!"
— Parisar (@parisarpune) October 30, 2024
We have to come together to save our hills from being taken away for mega-development projects, destroying the entire sustainable fabric of the urban cityscape! #SaveVetalTekdi pic.twitter.com/LKVmY5186O
As Prime Minister Modi arrives in Pune for campaigning, citizens’ groups are making their voices heard. With the assembly polls approaching, Pune’s residents remain hopeful that their demands will be met.
The push for environmental action is gaining momentum. Citizens’ gatherings are pressuring candidates to address environmental concerns. Individual candidates are making statements about the environment, recognizing its importance.
As Pune’s citizens demand a greener agenda, the city’s future hangs in the balance. Will the upcoming government deliver on its promises? Only time will tell. For now, citizens continue to push for change, determined to ensure a sustainable future for their city.
