The Vetal Tekdi Bachav Samiti released a Pune Citizen Manifesto for the Assembly elections, urging the candidates to give assurances to protect the hills, green cover and the city’s environment.
“Our representative in the State Legislative Council should talk about adequate funds and the right policy to increase the quality of life of the citizens of Pune,” said Sushma Usuku of the Vetal Tekdi Bachav Samiti.
Two important areas where political will and action are needed are adequate water and efficient public transport, the manifesto said, adding, “Our MLA should work for the conservation of our tekdis as a place of natural heritage. In April last year, thousands of Punekars took to the streets to preserve the tekdis, showing the strong emotional connection they have with our city’s identity. We continue to campaign for the protection and preservation of our natural reserves.”
“The representative should work for the removal of three projects from the Development Plan of the city of Pune. Bal Bharati-Paud Phata Road, HCMTR and twin tunnels from Panchavati-Sutardhara and Panchavati-Gokhalenagar, which will destroy Vetal tekdi forever. Improving the services of PMPML must be prioritized,” it added.
Hilltops and hillsides must be protected as ‘groundwater recharge areas’, streams need to be regenerated and rejuvenated by removing encroachment, draining and cleaning. Man-made forests on our hills offer important benefits such as preserving valuable biodiversity, improving air quality, carbon sequestration, increasing groundwater recharge, reducing the ‘heat island’ effect and providing green space for exercise and mental well-being. – to be, to say.
The representative should ensure that there is enough money to expand the Metro and strengthen the fleet of PMPML, said Sumita Kale of the Samiti.
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