The “Rights of Rivers, My Responsibility” campaign, organized by the Pune River Revival Group, concluded on January 28th with a resounding pledge to restore and preserve rivers. The three-day event brought together over 60 social and environmental organizations, scientists, experts, and individuals, advocating for urgent action to address the deplorable state of rivers.
26th January: Campaign Kickoff with Eminent Speakers
The campaign was inaugurated on Republic Day at Gokhalenagar, featuring internationally recognized River Researcher Parineeta Dandekar, renowned radio jockey RJ Sangram, and dynamic businessman Tanmay Kanitkar. The event began with spirited performances by students from the Justine Dance academy, emphasizing the cultural importance of rivers.
Parineeta Dandekar highlighted India’s historical reverence for rivers and stressed the need for a third-party monitoring system for water treatment plants. Tanmay Kanitkar drew parallels between stagnant rivers and stagnant data in government offices, while RJ Sangram emphasized the demand for environmental inclusion in political party agendas.
27th January: Pune River Revival’s 700th Day of Chain Fasting
The campaign’s 700th day featured a unique chain fasting movement, possibly the longest in India, focusing on river revival. Over 200 individuals participated in the movement, fasting for extended periods, sending emails to political leaders urging environmental consideration in election manifestos. Cultural performances, including poetry and songs related to rivers and the environment, added a creative touch to the event.
28th January: Conclusion with a Pledge for River Rights
The concluding day brought together organizations and individuals actively working on rivers in the Bhima Basin. Jalbiradari President Narendra Chugh, Jalbiradari Coordinator Dr. Sumant Pande, RJ Sangram, and Pune River Revival’s Mukund Mavalankar graced the event.
Narendra Chugh provided insights into citizen-created river reports, and an extension of two more years was given to civil society to formulate action plans. RJ Sangram promised to work towards improving river conditions if elected. Rajendra Singh presented three fundamental rights of rivers, advocating for a declaration on the “Rights of Rivers,” with guidelines like preserving the natural flow and avoiding sand removal during dredging.
The event concluded with a promise from Rajendra Singh to support the Bhima Basin Citizens in their fight for the “Rights of Rivers.”
