Pune: Residents To Protest Against ‘Harit Setu Project’ In Nigdi, Cite Traffic And Environmental Concerns
Pune: Residents To Protest Against ‘Harit Setu Project’ In Nigdi, Cite Traffic And Environmental Concerns
Pune, December 3, 2025: A local civic body has called for a public protest against the ongoing ‘Green Bridge’ development work in the Nigdi-Akurdi Authority area, alleging that the project will lead to severe traffic congestion, environmental damage, and safety hazards.
The Nigdi Pradhikaran Resident Foundation (NPRF Foundation) has announced a strong agitation scheduled for Wednesday, December 3, at 5:00 PM at the Hutatma Chowk near Anand Hospital in Nigdi Authority Sector 26-27. The foundation has urged all residents of the area to participate actively in the demonstration to demand the cancellation of the project.
According to the NPRF Foundation, the ‘Green Bridge’ project, being executed by the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC), involves narrowing existing roads to widen footpaths. The foundation claims this will choke traffic in a zone that already serves as a crucial transit point for vehicles heading towards Ravet, Punawale, and the Expressway. The area houses a railway station, major educational institutions, and several state and central government offices, leading to heavy pedestrian and vehicular movement throughout the day.
“The existing roads are already insufficient. Shrinking them will create massive traffic jams and increase the risk of accidents,” a representative stated. The protestors also highlighted the planned felling of native trees that have grown over many years, which they say will cause significant environmental harm.
Further grievances include a lack of parking facilities and the fear that the widened footpaths will eventually be encroached upon by hawkers and vendors. The foundation asserts that no local citizen groups or organizations had demanded such a project, and it is being imposed without considering public needs or the area’s existing infrastructure.
“The administration is forcibly implementing an expensive and unnecessary project. We have submitted several memorandums, but the civic body has not given a positive response. It is time to wake up this sleeping administration,” the foundation’s appeal read, calling on citizens to join the protest and register their strong opposition.
