On 18 and 19 July 2026, Parisar organised Walk Under the Trees: An Alternative Design for Ganeshkhind Road, an experiential learning walk that brought together citizens to explore the relationship between urban mobility, street design, and Pune's rapidly diminishing urban tree cover. These walks were in collaboration with Ethos Foundation under Arcause Spotlight 4.0

Ganeshkhind Road is one of Pune's most important transport corridors, connecting educational institutions, research centres, government offices, residential neighbourhoods, and Metro infrastructure. It is equally significant for its avenue of mature trees, which provide shade, reduce urban heat, improve air quality, support biodiversity, and make walking and cycling more comfortable.

The walk was designed around Parisar's alternative proposal for Ganeshkhind Road, demonstrating that infrastructure improvements need not come at the cost of mature trees. Through on-site discussions, observations, and interactive activities, participants explored how streets can be redesigned to prioritise both sustainable mobility and environmental conservation.

As part of Jane's Walk 2026, on 17th May 2026 Parisar organised a neighbourhood walk in Aundh to explore something we often take for granted: trees. While trees are usually seen as a backdrop to city life, this walk looked at them as an essential part of the infrastructure that makes our streets more comfortable, healthier, and more enjoyable to use.

Kalakar Katta at Goodluck Chowk, FC Road, is a vibrant public space that has evolved into an important site for artistic expression and community interaction in Pune. A recent proposal to remove the Katta, citing traffic congestion, prompted Parisar to conduct a detailed on-ground assessment.

Our findings show that the existing junction design complies with Indian Roads Congress (IRC) guidelines, supports safe and efficient traffic movement, and does not contribute to congestion. Instead, observed issues relate to unregulated halting and parking, for which targeted solutions are recommended.

Based on this assessment, Parisar has submitted a letter to Pune Municipal Commissioner opposing the proposed removal of Kalakar Katta and highlighting its cultural and urban significance. Read this letter and technical note here. 

Watch our explainer video to understand the issue and why spaces like Kalakar Katta matter in our cities.

A two-day capacity building program and workshop was conducted in Pune city on 'Shaping Mobility for Young Children and Caregivers' on 23rd and 24th November for all Municipal Corporations and Smart City SPV’s of Maharashtra state by the State Urban Development Department in collaboration with WRI India and Parisar supported by Van Leer Foundation.

The capacity building workshop was planned with an objective of “A city that works for children, works for all!” aiming to enhance the capacity of city officials who are engaged in the development of streets and public transport to improve the mobility experience for young children and their caregivers, and achieve the vision of ‘Inclusive Mobility’ for Maharashtra.

The workshop was attended by the officials from around 22 Municipal Corporations and Smart City SPV’s of Maharashtra state.