Pune: Koregaon Park Residents From Popular Heights Seek Help As Massive Pit Sinks Amidst Heavy Rainfall
Pune: Koregaon Park Residents From Popular Heights Seek Help As Massive Pit Sinks Amidst Heavy Rainfall
Samata Kukade
Koregaon Park, Pune – A significant threat has emerged for residents of Popular Heights No. 2, located opposite the Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Memorial Hall. A massive pit has formed behind the building’s D wing, posing an imminent danger to the community.
According to sources, the building was constructed before 1990 and is over thirty years old, and experienced this alarming development around 3:30 AM on July 25th. Heavy rains exacerbated the situation, causing the pit to grow in size and ultimately leading to the collapse of the compound wall.
In response to the emergency, police arrived at the scene by 9 AM and promptly began evacuating the building. Popular Heights No. 2 comprises five wings: A, B, C, D, and E, with five floors and 25 apartments each. Wings D and E have been evacuated, and residents have sought shelter in the nearby Maulana Abul Kalam Memorial Hall, with some opting to stay with relatives or book hotel rooms. Wing C, located at the entrance, has not been evacuated due to its relatively safer position.
A resident expressed his concerns to Pune Pulse, stating, “If not taken preventive measures, the D building will collapse for sure. The compound wall of the building was weak, and a complaint was registered with the society office, but no action was taken. Despite objections from D wing residents, the wall’s maintenance was neglected.”
Another resident, Anis Bhayani acknowledged the efforts of local authorities, who have previously contributed to society by improving roads and installing LED lights. However, he emphasized the urgency of this issue, calling for immediate action and support from community leaders and residents. Bhayani suggested that filling the pit with rocks from a nearby beautification site could mitigate the hazard.
The evacuated residents face challenges, as not everyone has relatives in the city, forcing some to book hotel rooms or stay at the Maulana Abul Kalam Memorial Hall. Bhayani noted, “The huge pit is a growing concern for us.”
The police, responding swiftly to residents’ complaints, have barricaded the area near the pit. The residents also urged the community to leverage social media to help prevent the hazard.
