VTKBS criticizes politicians over claims, reiterates demand for protection of Vetala Tekdi amid election campaign

Pune hills have once again become the focal point ahead of the assembly elections, just like they were during the Lok Sabha elections. All political parties have agreed on the importance of protecting the city's hills, especially Vetal Tekdi.

In response to the ongoing debate, the Vetala Tekdi Bachchan Kriti Samiti (VTKBS), which has been at the forefront of the fight to preserve the hill, has issued a press note to clarify some of the claims circulating in the media regarding its efforts to protect Has been released. Techdi.

According to VTKBS, some political candidates have accused the group of raising the issue of conservation of Vetala Tekdi in the context of the upcoming assembly elections. VTKBS strongly condemns these statements, and calls them insulting to the thousands of Pune residents who took to the streets on April 15, 2023, demanding that the proposed development projects at Vetal Tekdi be cancelled. “These statements hurt the sentiments of citizens who have been fighting to save their hills for a long time,” the VTKBS statement said.

The group also refuted claims made by former guardian minister Chandrakant Patil, who had said that projects affecting Vetala Tekdi were “stalled” during his tenure. VTKBS points to RTI documents obtained from April 2023, which show that files on these projects have been circulating within the government. VTKBS said, “The projects have not been stopped, as claimed. In fact, the Maharashtra state government has approved modification of the HCMTR alignment in May 2024 and reconstruction of Bal Bharti-Paud Phata Road towards Paud in July 2023.” Has given.” In his statement.

VTBKS demands

On April 15, 2023, VTKBS led a massive rally, attended by thousands of Pune residents, demanding the cancellation of three major projects that threaten the integrity of Vetala Tekdi: Balbharti-Paud Phata Road, HCMTR, and Panchavati. Twin tunnels from. -Sutardhara and Panchavati-Gokhalenagar. The group is now reiterating the same demands ahead of the assembly elections and urging that these projects be removed from Pune's development plan.

Additionally, the VTKBS is calling for a renewed focus on improving public transport, particularly through increased PMPML services, completion of the metro network and last-mile connectivity. The group has urged to declare Vetala Tekdi along with other hills of Pune as a natural heritage site and no development zone, emphasizing their importance in maintaining the environmental balance of the city and contributing to groundwater recharge.

“Climate change is already affecting Pune due to rising temperatures, water scarcity and lack of open spaces. The role of our techies in mitigating these challenges is well documented, and it is imperative that these areas are protected for the future of the city,” VTKBS said in its statement. He said that, with sufficient data and available evidence, it is clear that the proposed development projects at Vetala Tekdi will have a devastating impact on the environment.

VTKBS concluded its statement by calling on all candidates and political parties to make a written commitment to protect the Vetal Tekdi and Pune hills. “It is time for politicians to stop using the environment as a political tool and instead take a clear stance on the future of the city. We need development that prioritizes public transport and environmental sustainability,” the group stressed.

The fight to save Vetala Tekdi is not a recent issue that has been raised only for election purposes. VTKBS cites past successes, pointing out that citizens have been protesting the destruction of Pune's hills for decades, including the removal of the Balbharti-Paud Phata Road from the 1987 development plan due to citizen action. VTKBS said, “We have been fighting for the conservation of our hills for years and we will continue to do so for the future of Pune.”