‘Living in Fear’: Wakad Residents Allege Dark Store Activity, Traffic Chaos and Security Threats in Residential Area
‘Living in Fear’: Wakad Residents Allege Dark Store Activity, Traffic Chaos and Security Threats in Residential Area
Pune, May 23: Residents of a housing society near Dattamandir Road in Wakad have alleged that increasing commercial activities around their residential premises have created major safety, traffic, and security concerns, making daily life difficult for families living in the area. Society members claim that despite repeated complaints to authorities, the situation continues to worsen.
According to residents, several commercial operations have emerged near the society over the last few years, including a warehouse reportedly functioning as a dark store and an ongoing daycare construction project. Residents alleged that these activities have led to continuous movement of delivery vehicles, traffic congestion, late-night disturbances, and entry of unknown persons into the locality.
Residents said the situation has become especially problematic during nighttime, when trucks allegedly arrive for loading and unloading work. They claimed that many heavy vehicles remain parked on internal roads till the next day, affecting movement for residents and creating inconvenience for senior citizens, women, and children.
People living in the society alleged that the increasing movement of commercial vehicles has significantly affected traffic flow near Dattamandir Road. Residents said that due to congestion caused by trucks and construction-related activity, travelling even short distances within the area has become difficult.
“We have been living here for the past several years and the situation has gradually become worse. Commercial activities are taking place right in front of our residential premises. Trucks arrive late at night and unknown people keep entering the area. It has become very difficult to manage security and maintain peace in the society,” said a resident.
Residents further alleged that a boundary wall on one side of the society premises has been exposed or damaged, increasing security concerns among families living there. According to society members, the wall earlier acted as a protective barrier separating the residential premises from outside activity.
“There was a proper security wall earlier, but now that side has become exposed. We want the wall to be restored because it is important for the safety of residents,” society members said.
Locals also claimed that waste materials, litter, and broken glass bottles are frequently found around the area. Residents alleged that despite repeated cleaning efforts, the surroundings continue to remain disturbed due to commercial movement and late-night activity.
Another concern raised by residents is regarding a nearby snooker club operating in the locality. Society members alleged that the premises remain covered from outside view, making it difficult to know what activities are taking place inside. Residents expressed concern over the presence of unknown individuals and movement near the club during late hours.
“This is Wakad’s oldest society. We have already tried negotiations and discussions earlier, but the problems still continue,” said Niraj Patil, a resident of the society. He added that residents are now determined to pursue legal action if the issues are not resolved.
Residents stated that complaints regarding traffic congestion, illegal parking, late-night deliveries, security concerns, and encroachment-related issues have already been submitted to multiple authorities including Wakad Police Station, the PCMC Building Permission Department, and the PCMC Anti-Encroachment Department.
Society members have demanded immediate intervention from the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC), seeking strict action against activities affecting the residential neighbourhood. They also urged authorities to regulate commercial vehicle movement and restore the damaged or exposed compound wall to improve security within the premises.
Responding to the complaints, Ashwini Gaikwad, Assistant Commissioner and Zonal Officer, said, “We have received the complaints and appropriate action will be taken.”
Residents, however, claim they are still awaiting visible action on the ground and hope authorities will address their concerns before the situation worsens further.
