Protestors opposing the Balbharati-Paud road link project that passes through Vetal Tekdi. (Express photo by Arul Horizon) Upset with those opposing the Balbharati-Paud road link project that passes through Vetal Tekdi, including some of his own party leaders, Guardian minister and BJP leader Chandrakant Patil is learnt to have assured the Vetal Tekdi Bachav Kruti Samiti that he will direct the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) administration to hold the ongoing process for the implementation of the project.
However, sources in the civic administration said they have not received any instructions in this regard and are continuing the administrative process for the project. Meanwhile, the Vetal Tekdi Bachav Kruti Samiti, an apolitical group of concerned citizens who have come together to save one of Pune’s most valuable natural resources, has decided to go on with its scheduled Save Vetal Tekdi walk on April 15.
The latest developments are linked to a meeting held on Monday night between the Guardian minister and representatives of Vetal Tekdi Bachav Kruti Samiti on the initiative of former BJP legislator Medha Kulkarni, who is supporting the opposition to the road passing through the hill. Patil tried to convince the gathering of the need for the project while the Samiti representatives explained its adverse impact on environment.
“The delegation was assured by the Guardian minister that directions will be issued to civic administration on putting on hold the process for implementation of project. We don’t know whether the instructions have been given or not,” said Kulkarni.
However, the delegation conveyed that they would fight for the protection of hill till the project is not scrapped, she said.
“The minister said that any firm decision on the project will be taken by the elected body that comes in PMC. Thus, we have decided to continue with our protest,” said Sushma Date of the Samiti.
She said that the demand is to scrap the proposed Balbharti-Paud road link project and two tunnels in the development plan. “Declare Vetal Tekdi as a Natural Heritage Site and a No Development No-Construction zone. Instead of spending money on roads and tunnels, PMC should strengthen public transport by increasing frequency and connectivity of PMPML bus routes during peak hours,” she said adding the Samiti is getting support from various political parties and organizations.
The PMC administration said that have not received any instructions on holding the process for implementation of the project. “We are framing the conditions for the tender for the project. Nothing has been put on hold,” said a civic officer.
On Monday, Patil had said that he would try to convince those opposing the project on its need to resolve the traffic crisis in the city.