‘Despite Unanimous Demand…’: Aaditya Thackeray Slams Government For Pushing ‘Riverfront Destruction’ Project | File pic
Months after blaming the recent flash floods in Pune on the riverfront development project, former environment minister Aaditya Thackeray slammed the government for pushing forward with the project despite opposition.
Thackeray, the former environment minister and one of the key torchbearers in Mumbai’s Aarey protest against the car shed.
Taking to Twitter, Thackeray wrote, “Despite this unanimous demand to stop the riverfront destruction planned by the govt, the govt is pushing forward.”
After the floods during the monsoon in Pune, Thackeray had stated that the flash floods were caused by the unplanned destruction of the city due to the regime-builder nexus. He had also criticized the riverfront development program, describing it as an attempt to replicate the Sabarmati riverfront model by an architect from Gujarat, without considering the unique flow of Pune’s rivers.
This comes after over 5,000 citizens from Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad participated in the Chipko Padyatra organized by Pune River Revival, demonstrating unprecedented public support for protecting riverside ecosystems.
Pune Chipko March
The peaceful march, stretching from Kalmadi High School to the Ram-Mula confluence, saw participation from residents, environmentalists, senior citizens, school and college students, and special groups such as the Parkinson’s Support Group of Pune. Renowned environmentalist Sonam Wangchuk and celebrated actor Sayaji Shinde highlighted the critical importance of preserving riverside green spaces and old-growth trees along Pune’s rivers. Also present were advocate Vandana Chavan, actor Omkar Gowardhan, and RJ Sangram Khopde.
The Chipko Padyatra marked the beginning of a larger movement, with both the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) and Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) regions now working together for river conservation. The initiative has united over 85 organizations across the two municipal corporations, focusing on reviving the Mutha, Mula, Pawana, and Indrayani rivers.
Pune River Revival is a collaborative initiative involving over 60 organizations, experts, grassroots groups, and NGOs working towards river restoration. This protest adds the second such battle for environmental protection in the city.
