Residents to protest against debris dumping in Dr Salim Ali bird sanctuary

Apoorva Sinha 

The residents and environmental activists from across the city will hold a protest march on October 30 citing no action taken by the civic body on the rampant debris dumping at the Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary.

The Dr.Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary located on Nagar road is considered as a treat for bird watchers and nature enthusiasts. Situated by the river between Yerwada and Kalyaninagar, Pune, Maharashtra.
Residents and activists from the area have complained and claimed that the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) is aware of the debris dumping but still ignoring any action on the matter.  

The Dr Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary Action Committee alleged that despite repeated complaints made at the PMC ward office there has been no action at all, as a result of which a nullah in the bird sanctuary is now blocked.

Meghana Baphna who is among the core members of the Save Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, said that “The residents are disappointed as the civic body has turned a blind eye”.“The dump in some areas will be impossible to remove even with heavy machinery”, she added.

Sameer Nikam, another volunteer from the action committee said that the members will stage a fast on October 30 to highlight the issue.
“We have written to several authorities, but no immediate relief has been given. Debris is being dumped as we speak now. To protest this, we will be organising a one day fast on October 30 to spread awareness about the issue and bring attention to this matter,” said Nikam.

Once popular among birdwatchers within and outside Pune as the “Yerawada Birding Point”, the spot, in its heydays, used to feature at least 110 different species of birds including the ruddy shelduck, red wattled lapwings and black headed ibis. However, due to massive garbage dumping and polluted river water, it is no longer frequented by birds, or bird watchers, in large numbers.

When Pune Pulse spoke to Vikram Kumar, commissioner, Pune Municipal Corporation, he said that he shall send a team to the spot to find out the issue and take immediate action. 

Vadgaon Sheri MLA Sunil Tingre said that he had read about the protest in newspapers. He further said that he will take information regarding the issue and take action. 

Ex MLA of Vadgaon sheri constituency, and Pune city President, Bharatiya Janata party, Jagdish Mulik said, “I am aware of the issue through social media but nobody has contacted me yet regarding the same. But on an individual level I am in favour of the activists in order to stop this illegal dumping of debris in Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary.”