Pune residents fight to save urban hills from construction

Pune’s hills — or tekdis— are vital green lungs for the western Indian city. Citizen-led environmental action spearheaded by the Green Pune Movement have already helped to guard and restore the uplands, which were barren and polluted. With nearly one thousand hectares now designated as Biodiversity Parks, Pune and its hills still face threats like the BBPP road project and unchecked urbanization. Conservationists in the city, nestled in the Western Ghats, are determined to continue the fight to protect their hills with their rich bird, animal and plant life.