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Environmental activists in Pune are sounding the alarm over the accumulation of construction debris along a 3.7km stretch of the Mula-Mutha river, designated for the Pune Municipal Corporation's (PMC) riverfront development project. The debris blankets the entire left bank of the river, causing significant harm to the local ecosystem. Trees are being uprooted, roots are loosening, and numerous plants and shrubs are dying as a result.
Activists assert that the PMC is disregarding their objections, particularly in light of the National Green Tribunal's directive to refrain from felling any trees until an amendment to the Environmental Clearance for the project is approved by the State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA). Despite this, the PMC contends that it is not in violation of any orders.
The entire stretch from Bund Garden to Sangamwadi, along Boat Club Road, presents a disheartening sight of trees submerged in mud, rocks, and heavy debris. This not only threatens the local flora but also contaminates the river as construction debris is frequently seen drifting along the river's edges.
Observations from the Bund Garden bridge confirm the tragic state of these trees, entirely buried beneath debris. On the contrary, the right bank of the stretch appears clear, as they have been cleared, with cylinders in place to accommodate replanted trees. Sadly, these trees were already cut before activists could raise their concerns with the corporation. Some activists speculate that this could be a precursor to the commencement of the actual riverfront development project, orchestrated by the PMC.
The PMC has previously faced legal battles with Pune's residents regarding the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the riverfront development initiative. The Supreme Court and the National Green Tribunal have entrusted approval responsibility to state authorities, implying that the PMC only requires consent from tree authorities to proceed with the project.
Srinivas Bonala, the PMC's chief engineer for projects, responded to the concerns, pledging to investigate the matter. He stated, "We have not executed any part of the project without necessary approval. Whoever has a problem with our execution can come to us, and we will address the issue. However, we have not violated any orders that have been issued. The debris is something that we haven't examined yet, and we will analyze it once we receive complaints."
In summary, environmental activists in Pune are raising red flags about the dumping of construction debris along a significant riverfront development project. They argue that this practice is endangering local trees, shrubs, and the river's ecosystem. While activists claim that the PMC is pre-emptively planning tree cutting, the PMC maintains that it is acting within the bounds of the law. The situation underscores the importance of responsible urban development and resource conservation.
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