Save Pune’s Hills: Over 9,000 Citizens Sign Petition Against Hill Construction
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Pune’s citizens are raising their voices to protect the city’s precious hilltops and slopes. More than 9,000 residents have signed a petition urging the state government to maintain the no-construction rules and preserve these areas as part of Pune’s ecological and cultural heritage.
The protest, led by the Green Hills Campaign and supported by environmentalists Sushma Date and Ameya Jagtap, follows the formation of a state-appointed six-member committee on April 8. The committee, chaired by former Pune Municipal Commissioner Ramanath Jha, is reviewing the boundaries of Biodiversity Park (BDP) reservations and construction-related regulations in hilly regions. Its report is expected by May 8.
To further strengthen the movement, the campaign has organized on-ground signature drives at Vetal Tekdi (7–8 AM) and Aapla Maruti (5:30–7 PM) over the weekend. Their letter of demands will be submitted to the committee on April 28.
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“Even 8% construction could irreversibly damage these ecosystems,” said Sushma Date. “The hills are Pune’s lungs and natural water reserves. Digging or construction threatens the city’s sustainability.”
Campaigners are demanding:
Balwadkar
No changes to current BDP zoning
Strict anti-construction enforcement
Fair compensation to landowners
Protection from encroachments
Mandatory public participation in all decisions
They’ve also criticized PMC’s weak monitoring and enforcement. Despite a 2015 state declaration reserving 978 hectares of hill land as BDP, the formation of this new committee has sparked fears of a policy rollback.
This is not a new fight. In 2011, leaders like Vandana Chavan, urban planner Anita Benninger, and ecologist Madhav Gadgil successfully rallied public opinion against similar construction plans, eventually getting legal recognition for BDP zones.
“Our hills aren’t just pretty views,” said Chavan. “They recharge water, reduce carbon, and maintain ecological balance. PMC must stop ignoring illegal activity and act.”
Ravindra Sinha from Save Hills, Pune summed up the public sentiment: “No construction on BDP land, hilltops, or slopes. Our message is clear—these hills are not for sale.”
The call is loud and clear: Pune’s hills must be preserved—no compromise.
