Pune residents have united to oppose proposed construction activities on the city’s hilltops and within designated Biodiversity Park (BDP) zones.
The Green Pune Movement (GPM), a prominent environmental advocacy group, has mobilised citizens to demand the strict enforcement of existing no-construction policies aimed at preserving Pune’s critical green spaces. The controversy emerged following the Maharashtra government’s formation of a committee, led by former civic chief Ramanath Jha, tasked with reviewing the boundaries and regulations for BDP and Hill Top-Hill Slope (HTHS) zones. This move has raised concerns among environmentalists and residents about potential relaxations in construction norms that could pave the way for real estate development in these ecologically sensitive areas.
Since the announcement, GPM has launched an extensive campaign, gathering over 25,000 signatures through online and offline petitions. The movement has garnered support from a diverse coalition, including environmentalists, students, and local residents, all advocating for the preservation of Pune’s natural heritage. Leaders within GPM, such as former Member of Parliament Vandana Chavan and urban planner Anita Benninger, have emphasised the vital role of hilltops and BDP zones in maintaining Pune’s ecological balance. These areas function as carbon sinks, groundwater recharge zones, and natural buffers against climate change. Any alteration to their protected status, they argue, could lead to irreversible environmental degradation, increased urban heat, and loss of biodiversity.
The movement’s demands are clear and resolute:
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Immediate cessation of all construction activities on hilltops and within BDP zones.
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Unwavering enforcement of existing no-construction policies.
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Compensation for private landowners as previously promised.
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Implementation of regular satellite surveillance to monitor and prevent encroachments.
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Establishment of a citizen-led Hill Protection Task Force to oversee compliance.
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Dissolution of the current review committee, advocating for direct implementation of prior decisions.
Public apprehension has intensified following the state’s announcement of a new committee to reassess BDP regulations, with many fearing a rollback of hard-won protections. GPM warns that any move to permit construction will trigger large-scale protests and legal action, as Pune’s residents remain steadfast in their commitment to defending the city’s natural heritage for future generations. The outcome of this civic mobilisation could set a precedent for urban environmental governance in India, highlighting the power of community-led initiatives in shaping sustainable urban landscapes. As the debate unfolds, the eyes of the nation are on Pune, observing how the city balances development with ecological preservation.
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Pune Residents Rally to Protect Biodiversity Parks