🔆 Protests against the Pune Riverfront Development Project, highlighting concerns about environmental impact and lack of community consultation. Project Details: ✅Scope: 'Beautification' of 44km riverfront (Mula, Mutha, Mula-Mutha rivers). ✅Design: Modeled on Sabarmati Riverfront Development Project (Ahmedabad). Cost: ₹4,727 crore. ✅Protest Details: ✅Chipko Protest: ~800 Punekars participated. ✅Concerns: 🔸Tree felling (22,000 trees claimed). 🔸River narrowing, potential for floods. 🔸Construction of concrete embankments. 🔸Impact on river's ecology. 🔸Lack of transparency and community consultation. 📍Government's Stance: ✅Corporation's View: Project will 'give back' the river to Punekars, currently resembles a nullah. 📍Claims: 🔸No tree felling, only relocation (11,000 trees). 🔸100% survival rate of transplanted trees. 🔸Gabion walls for bank protection. 🔸Riverfront accessible for water sports, etc. 📍Protesters' Demands: ✅Environmentally conscious approach: Beyond cosmetic measures. ✅Living river: Prioritize water and air quality over concrete structures. ✅Transparency: Address concerns about tree felling and ecological impact. Other Points: ✅Jeevitnadi Foundation: Working on river revival. ✅Expert Involvement: Geotagging trees, alternative development plans. ✅NGT Case: Filed by activist Yadwadkar, challenging project approvals. ✅Public Use: Embankment currently used by people, despite state of river. ✅Water Quality: River water heavily polluted, impacting visitors. Possible Questions: ✅Prelims: Which of the following is/are a concern(s) raised by protesters against the Pune Riverfront Development Project? Tree felling and its ecological impact. The narrowing of the river and potential for floods. The lack of transparency and community consultation. (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 ✅Mains: "The controversy surrounding the Pune Riverfront Development Project highlights the complex interplay between development aspirations and environmental concerns." Discuss this statement, analyzing the arguments for and against the project and suggesting a way forward that balances ecological sustainability with urban development.