In a poignant display of community solidarity, hundreds of residents from the Blue Ridge township, situated along the banks of the Mula river in Hinjawadi, Pune, took part in a silent march aimed at safeguarding the ecological health of the river.
Key Details:
- Concern for Mula River: The Mula river serves as the sole source of drinking water for approximately 15,000 residents residing in the Blue Ridge township. Despite its vital importance, the river has been grappling with escalating pollution levels, raising significant concerns among local residents.
- Growing Pollution: Originally known for its pristine waters, the Mula river has witnessed a steady deterioration in water quality over the years. The proliferation of hyacinth, a highly invasive aquatic plant, has been particularly alarming this year. In February, reports emerged of residents discovering red bloodworms in their tap water, further exacerbating worries about the river’s health.
- Silent March: In response to these environmental challenges, concerned residents organized a silent march covering a distance of 3 kilometers from their township to the Mula river check dam. The march served as a solemn prayer for the well-being of the river, with citizens forming the shape of “MULA” along the riverbank to underscore their commitment to its preservation.
- Expert Insights: Ravindra Sinha, a groundwater expert from Mission Groundwater, shed light on the critical issues plaguing the Mula river, including water scarcity and deteriorating water quality. He emphasized the urgent need for collective action and proposed the formation of a federation comprising Hinjawadi resident societies to address these pressing concerns.
- Comprehensive Solutions: Santosh Lalwani from Pune River Revival stressed the necessity of conducting a detailed research study to identify the sources of contamination in the river. He advocated for a holistic approach to finding solutions, highlighting the interconnectedness between natural amenities and human well-being.
- Community Engagement: Children participating in the event contributed by creating vibrant paintings and slogans, while efforts were made to enhance the riverbank’s green cover through the plantation of local tree varieties such as Nimb and Babul.
- Environmental Pledges: As a testament to their commitment to environmental conservation, citizens pledged to adopt eco-friendly lifestyles, minimize chemical usage, and actively engage in tree plantation and watering initiatives during the summer months.
The success of the silent march was made possible through the dedicated efforts of volunteers such as Akash Bokade, Vijay Patil, Dr. Nisha Arora, Ankit Shukla, Namrata Naik, Dr. Sangita Roychaudhuri, Kapil Muley, Ayush Dubey, Kamal P, Rachana Niranjan, and many others, who worked tirelessly to organize and execute the event.
The silent march not only served as a powerful demonstration of community activism but also underscored the unwavering commitment of citizens to safeguarding the natural resources that sustain life in their locality.
