Pune's Biodiversity Heritage Site Under Threat; We Must Befriend Green Spaces To Preserve Them: Citizens

Residents of Aundh Road and Bhau Patil Road have teamed up with Pune Samwad, a citizen-led initiative aimed at resolving civic issues and protecting the environment, to organise nature walks and painting sessions at the Biodiversity Heritage Site (BHS) in their neighbourhood as an ‘Occupy Green Spaces' initiative. The aim is to help people connect with the space by making it a part of their weekend plan. Pune Municipal Corporation has proposed a sewage treatment plant here and citizens fear this will impact biodiversity of the entire area

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Participant's Say

I have been attending the painting sessions with my daughters, aged nine and three, and they absolutely love it. I never knew we had such a beautiful space in the middle of the chaotic Aundh Road. Spending even a few hours in such greenery is much better than taking your children to the mall — Kunal Chordia | Business Owner

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Students of St Joseph Boys' High School, Khadki, had a unique experience during their nature walk. They learned about the varied and ancient species of plants, trees, and their ecological value. The team organising this is doing a great job creating awareness among the younger generation and this is crucial — Smita Ankush | Teacher

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Organiser Says

Even if the STP is being proposed on only one part of the heritage site, biodiversity in the remaining areas will be disturbed. The walks and painting sessions help to create a positive emotion between the participants and the space. We must befriend green spaces to preserve them from destruction — Rekha Joshi | Member, Pune Samwad