THREE POLICE IMPERSONATORS STEAL GOLD JEWELLERY WORTH ₹2.75 LAKH

At least 2,000 Punekars held a 'Chipko March' to highlight the importance of preserving riverside ecosystems.

- Gayatri Vajpeyee

PUNE: On Sunday, February 9, at least 2,000 Punekars held a 'Chipko March' to highlight the importance of preserving riverside ecosystems. Inspired by the country's historic Chipko movement, the 1.2-kilometer march was organised by Pune River Revival, a coalition of concerned citizens and social organisations.

The march began from Kalmadi High School in Baner and culminated at the confluence of the Ram and Mula rivers. It was inaugurated by actor Sayaji Shinde and climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who stood in solidarity with Punekars who supported his efforts in Ladakh to save the environment and the rights of the local community.

"It is good to see so many people coming out and throwing their weight behind saving the trees and rivers. However, it's disheartening to see a city like Pune facing such problems. Strong action is needed to protect the environment," Wangchuk said.

"Ongoing projects are not fulfilling the criteria of treating sewage water before dumping it in the river. Moreover, trees are being chopped for these projects. We should conserve trees. I will definitely speak to Ajit Pawar, who is the deputy chief minister of the state and guardian minister of Pune, about this," Wangchuk said.