A conference held on May 3rd addressed the sustainable management of rivers, focusing on emerging issues and challenges within the Pune Metropolitan Region.
Discussions highlighted concerns over riverfront development projects, which are seen as having unaddressed impacts on the complex riverine ecosystem. The conference emphasised the urgent need for greater political and bureaucratic accountability, alongside increased citizen participation in urban development.
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Anomalies in defining riverbanks and floodlines were discussed, with calls to redefine them based on natural river edges and ensure transparency to prevent inappropriate real estate development. The conference also explored the multi-dimensional aspect of river rejuvenation, emphasising the intrinsic link between rivers and human-natural systems.
Participants stressed the importance of disaster preparedness, considering climate change impacts on rainfall, and the need to address high water consumption and untreated sewage. The consensus was to prioritise the environmental and ecological value of Pune's rivers, urging authorities to maintain their natural state. Read the complete proceedings here.
Keynote speakers included former Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) and former Mayor of Pune, Vandana Chavan, and sitting Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha), Medha Kulkarni. Other important speakers and panelists included Vijay Paranjpye, Prof. Aneeta Benninger from CDSA, Dr. Gurudas Nulkar from Gokhale Institute for Politics and Economics, Mr. Hanumant Dhumal (Chief Engineer, MKVDC/WRD), and Shailaja Deshpande from Jeevitnadi.
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