Reflecting on nearly 4 decades of pioneering sustainable development in Pune
Origins and Early Influences
Before 1972, people working at non-governmental organisations (NGOs) were often referred to as ‘Jhola wale’ – individuals who volunteered their time and efforts for free, balancing this work with their mainstream jobs. Social work was a significant part of the youth experience, facilitated through entities like National Social Services (NSS) and National Cadet Corps (NCC) during their college days.
In contrast, Parisar was founded by well-settled individuals who were financially secure and sought to make a meaningful impact in their community. Key figures included Ravi Bhagwat, an industrialist, Sujit Patwardhan, a businessman, Vidya Patwardhan, an anthropologist-cum-educator, Vijay Paranjpe, a professor of economics and Dr. Ghare, president of AFARM (based in Maharashtra), among others.
Founding Motivation and Early Activities
A crucial reason for Parisar's inception was the absence of organisations that took ecology seriously. At the time, environmental science was barely discussed. It wasn't until 1982 that the University Grants Commission (UGC) drafted the first course on environmental science, with Vijay Paranjpe as one of the members of the drafting team.
In 1981, Parisar's idea began to take shape. Inspired by deep ecology1, this group of enthusiasts, including Prakash Gole, who had worked with WWF until 1977, began to discuss environmental advocacy. The group realised that all aspects of life were interconnected and that environmental concerns were crucial. Discussions covered a broad range of issues, including biology, biodiversity, air, gender, climate change, and food. The 1992 Global Earth Summit in Rio further validated and catalysed their work.
Notable Early Achievements
Parisar's thrust was to advocate for an integrated approach to development. Our first civil suit in 1987 was against a planned road to be laid in the river. Although we won in the sessions and state courts, we lost in the Supreme Court. But this case brought to the fore the need to respect the river and its ecosystem, with the beginnings of the idea of sustainable transport, rather than trying to find more spaces to build more roads.
The development plan of 1987 proposed unsustainable road expansions, prompting Parisar to emphasise a holistic vision incorporating environment, health, and gender. The founding members argued that each project should align with a broader environmental perspective, encapsulated by the term ‘Parisar’ – the surrounding environment we live in, encompassing both living and non-living elements.
In the past Parisar has engaged in different activities like saving the Pune University Garden, providing inputs to the Draft Development Plans for Pune, saving the Model Colony Old Quarry Lake, saving our hills from construction and demanding that they be declared as Biodiversity Parks.
Community Engagement and Advocacy
Parisar engaged the community through various activities and initiatives. Initial issues, like the proposed cutting of trees in the University garden and Karve Nagar, galvanised public opposition and drew attention to environmental preservation. Influenced by movements like the Chipko Andolan and disastrous issues like the Chernobyl Nuclear disaster and Bhopal Gas Tragedy, and local movements similar to Narmada Bachao Andolan over concerns of displacement of people, Parisar organised talks and workshops, deepening public understanding of environmental issues.
Earlier efforts included organising the ‘Man and Environment’ Exhibition and annual lectures, featuring notable speakers like Medha Patkar, who discussed the Narmada Bachao Andolan, and Bittu Sehgal, who talked about the importance of wildlife and sanctuary. These events highlighted both local issues, such as saving the Model Colony pond, and global concerns, fostering a culture of environmental awareness.
A 100 poster exhibition "Man and Environment" on the theme of the environment at the local, national and global level was put up by Parisar in 1983
Parisar has always recognised the importance of heritage, both built and natural in retaining the cultural identity and liveability of a city. Building activity, construction of roads and flyovers, pressures for increasing Floor Space Index (FSI) and general apathy towards our heritage has led to neglect, damage and destruction of many structures possessing architectural, historical, social and artistic qualities.
Even after the setting up of an Urban Heritage Conservation Committee under the amended Town Planning Act provisions, Pune has lost many heritage structures. Parisar along with other NGO's like BEAG (Bombay Environmental Action Group) and INTACH has actively worked for protection and conservation of the city's heritage. Founder member Sujit Patwardhan was also on the Heritage Committee set up by the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC).
Publications and Ongoing Initiatives
Parisar Varta, the organisation's print newsletter, became a key platform for disseminating knowledge. Edited by Ravi Bhagwat and featuring articles by thinkers like Ram Bapat and Venu Palshikar, it covered topics from capitalist societies to mixed economies and the environment. The work extended to translating significant environmental texts like "One Straw Revolution" by Masanobu Fukuoka into Marathi to reach a broader audience.
Nivadak Parisar Varta Part 1 - Click to access
Parisar also organised farmers’ gatherings across Maharashtra, promoting organic and sustainable farming practices. These events facilitated discussions on natural farming, horticulture, and sustainable methods, reflecting Parisar’s commitment to practical and impactful environmental advocacy. The people from these gatherings, further translated to today’s audience of Parisar Varta and the annual lectures.
Challenges and Continued Efforts
Raising funds for these activities was challenging. Despite these hurdles, Parisar persisted in its advocacy, engaging in public discussions and negotiations on issues like Floor Space Index (FSI) norms and development projects. Recent initiatives have focused on pressing issues like plastic pollution, with lectures by dedicated individuals like Vinod Bodhankar. Parisar continues to argue that the environment must be considered within the broader ecosystem to ensure sustainable development.
Conclusion
Today, Parisar operates in a more focused manner, within various verticals, delving deeply into specific environmental issues while maintaining its foundational vision. Environmental preservation stands as a paramount concern, acknowledged as crucial for the survival of life on our planet. It’s been 4 decades and Parisar's inception marked a significant milestone in creating environmental consciousness in the city of Pune.
Parisar remains dedicated to integrating environmental viability into the development narrative. The approach has been to bring about sustainable, effective changes through research, policy advocacy and public engagement. We continue to push for more liveable, equitable and healthy cities where it is easy, safe and comfortable to walk, cycle and use public transport, where we survive in an environmentally conscious society. For more detailed insights, readers are encouraged to explore older editions of Parisar Varta, which chronicle the organisation's rich history and impactful work.
Footnote
1 the belief that humans must radically change their relationship to nature from one that values nature solely for its usefulness to human beings, to one that recognises that nature has an inherent value. Britannica