Pune District Wildlife Warden Aditya Paranjape has raised concerns over the ongoing Riverfront Development Project on the Mula River, highlighting its potential violations of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
The Honorary Wildlife Warden is a voluntary position created under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, to involve citizens in wildlife conservation. These wardens assist the forest and wildlife department in protecting wildlife, preventing poaching, raising awareness, and helping with enforcement.
Honorary Wildlife Wardens help prevent poaching, protect habitats, and raise awareness about wildlife conservation. They assist forest officials and act as public watchdogs in sensitive or high-risk areas.
Nearly 3,000 residents from Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad protested against the project on Sunday, April 27, citing environmental damage caused by illegal tree felling, destruction of riparian ecosystems, soil dumping, and illegal sand mining. The protest drew attention of Anna Bansode, Deputy Speaker of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly, who visited the site and instructed PCMC Commissioner Shekhar Singh to halt the project. Despite the directive, Singh refused, citing existing approvals.
Letter sent to Singh
In response, Paranjape sent an official letter to Singh on April 29, pointing out that the ongoing work threatens habitats for several Schedule I protected species, including the Grey Mongoose, Indian Flying Fox, Russell’s Viper, and Bengal Monitor, along with numerous birds and fish species.
Paranjape called for an immediate halt to the project and the removal of encroachments to restore wildlife habitats. This action followed a grievance submitted by Vandana Chaudhary, requesting the Ram-Mula Confluence be declared a "Community Reserve."
Additionally, the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) issued notices to the PMC Environment Department, the PCMC City Engineer, and the Executive Engineer of the Khadakwasla Irrigation Department, citing interference with the natural flow of the Ram Nadi and encroachment into the Mula River.
