Pune: Over 500 Kalyani Nagar Residents Protest Against Growing Commercial Establishments In Residential Area
Pune: Over 500 Kalyani Nagar Residents Protest Against Growing Commercial Establishments In Residential Area
Pune, March 21, 2026: More than 500 residents of Kalyani Nagar have formally raised objections against the growing number of commercial establishments operating within their residential neighbourhood, citing safety risks and civic issues. The protest has garnered support from over 1,000 residents who have signed joint representations submitted to authorities.
The complaints, dated March 10, were addressed to Pune Municipal Commissioner Naval Kishore Ram, Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar, Chief Fire Officer Devendra S. Potphode, and officials from the civic building department. Copies were also sent to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
Residents have alleged that several residential properties, particularly along Road No. 9A and Lanes 6 to 11, are being converted into restaurants, cafés, bakeries, cloud kitchens, and pre-school facilities. According to them, this trend is creating serious concerns related to safety, traffic congestion, and misuse of infrastructure.
Locals claim that narrow internal roads, many less than 30 feet wide, are now witnessing increased vehicular movement, leading to parking shortages and traffic jams. They have also raised concerns that such congestion could obstruct emergency services like ambulances and fire engines.
Captain Robin Azavedo, a resident of Road No. 9A, questioned the approval process for a café reportedly being set up in a row house on a narrow lane. He expressed concern that such establishments could pose fire hazards and worsen traffic conditions.
Residents further alleged that open spaces, parking areas, and marginal spaces in residential properties are being illegally altered for commercial use. Some also claimed that unauthorized water connections, including booster pumps, could strain the local water supply.
Advocate Amit Bhowmik, a senior resident, called for stricter action against property owners and brokers facilitating such conversions. He suggested blacklisting those involved in leasing residential premises for commercial purposes.
Members of the Kalyani Nagar Residents Association, including Asha Kamthe, Tejal Joshi, and Sheila Christian, have demanded immediate intervention to ensure adherence to zoning regulations and safety norms.
The residents have urged authorities to conduct inspections and take corrective action at the earliest. As of now, there has been no official response from the concerned departments.
