A Leader Among the People: How Amol Balwadkar Built Baner-Balewadi’s New Civic Identity

Baner: Former Corporator and Ex-Chairman of the City Improvement Committee (PMC), Amol Ratan Balwadkar has emerged as one of the most impactful civic leaders in the Baner, Balewadi, and Pashan region. Popularly known as the “Kamacha Manus” (The Working Man), his tenure between 2017 and 2022—and his continued public service—reflect a deep commitment to practical, citizen-first governance and sustainable development.

Building World-Class Urban Infrastructure

Balwadkar’s vision for better civic infrastructure has significantly transformed the everyday life of thousands of residents across his ward.

Water Security and the ‘Tanker-Free Balewadi Abhiyan’

• Successfully implemented the 24×7 Water Supply Scheme by laying nearly 150 km of new pipelines.
• Increased water storage capacity to end the long-standing shortage in several residential areas.
• Extended the ‘Saman Paani Puravtha Yojana’ to newly merged areas such as Sus-Mahalunge.

Mobility and Traffic Solutions

• Completed crucial connectors like the Pashan-Sus Khind Bridge and resolved the long-pending Balewadi-Wakad Bridge issue, easing daily commutes.
• Initiated the Traffic Mukt Abhiyan by deploying trained wardens at key intersections and prioritized timely road repairs.
• Actively followed up with state and central authorities on the Hinjewadi-Baner-Balewadi and Shivajinagar Metro routes to ensure long-term connectivity.

Urban Development and Amenities

• Executed major projects such as Balewadi Chowk beautification, smart footpaths, smart streetlights, a modern Fire Station (Agnishaman Kendra), and the Balewadi Garden.
• Facilitated MNGL (gas) connections for nearly 23,000 families.
• Developed several community spaces including the R.K. Lakhman Art Gallery, Science Theme Park, Defence Patriotic Park, and Environment Park.
• Created the RL Skating Ground for youth and sports enthusiasts in the area.

Community Welfare and Citizen Outreach

• Launched Sanvad Yatra (Dialogue Journey) and a Quick Response Team (QRT) for faster grievance redressal.
• Conducts the annual Diwali Saranzam Vatap (Diwali supplies distribution) reaching nearly 15,000 families, along with free health camps and the Ashadhi Ekadashi Pandharpur Yatra.
• The Sampark Karyalaya assists citizens with certificates, official documentation, and urban welfare schemes.
• Leads Mission Nirmal, a cleanliness and sanitation drive that has become a model for community participation.

Leadership During the COVID-19 Crisis

During the peak of the pandemic, Balwadkar redirected all efforts toward relief and support for residents.

• Set up a dedicated Amol Balwadkar COVID Help Centre for guidance and resources.
• Organized continuous distribution of ration, food packets, and sanitation supplies to low-income families.
• Personally coordinated hospital beds, oxygen cylinders, and critical medicines for citizens in distress.
• Launched awareness drives to promote safety and hygiene protocols during lockdowns.

A Vision for Sustained Community Involvement

To carry forward initiatives like Mission Nirmal, Balwadkar proposed the creation of a Neighbourhood Civic Fellowship — a program to train 50–100 local youth and senior citizens annually as part of a “Balwadkar Brigade.” These trained citizens would oversee cleanliness, resolve local issues, and monitor ongoing projects, ensuring that his approach to civic service continues as a community-led effort.

Voices of the People

Devdatta Injal, Western Hills Phase 2:
“Mr. Amol Balwadkar truly exemplifies what it means to be a people’s corporator—approachable, responsive, and grounded. He never distances himself from citizens despite his busy schedule. When our society faced trouble from a nearby builder, one call was enough—Mr. Balwadkar arrived immediately and resolved the issue. He personally follows up on every matter until it’s completed. Leaders like him redefine what integrity and service mean in public life.”

V. M. Kulkarni, Nandan Spectra Society, Balewadi:
“I’ve observed Amol Balwadkar’s work for the last 10 years. He remains active and committed whether in power or not. His dedication to the community has earned him respect across all age groups and social segments. As a senior citizen and long-time resident, I’m confident his future in politics will bring progressive and people-centric change.”

Dr. Suresh Pawar, Chairman, Rajyog Housing Society, Baner:

“Our society, established in 1984, has seen many leaders, but Mr. Amol Balwadkar stands apart. He attends all our cultural events and celebrations and is deeply involved in the welfare of poor and middle-class families. His efforts to maintain cleanliness and development in Baner are commendable. He’s truly a leader who works for the betterment of both Pune and the nation.”

Amlesh Ratnaparkhi, Peony Society, Yogi Park:

“In a heartening display of dedication, Amol Balwadkar and his team have worked tirelessly on issues like public health, sanitation, and infrastructure. Whether it’s water supply, electricity, or traffic, he is always a phone call away and ensures timely resolution. We truly appreciate his consistent service to the community.”

Sachin Suresh Deshpande, Sahil Seren Society, Baner:

“Our society was struggling with a serious water shortage and heavy dependence on tankers. Mr. Balwadkar took prompt action and resolved the problem effectively. His commitment and quick response prove how genuinely he serves the public.”

Rahul Joshi Yuthika Society , Baner

First time I meet Amol ji in 2018/19 for water issues in Yuthika society. He listened to our issue in details & then helped us to resolve the issue permanently. Earlier we were paying 15/20 lakhs per year on tanker & after he started working, we never had any water issue. Anytime we call Amol ji for any issue he is always available for everyone. The way he tried to resolve traffic issue in Baner, Balewadi is really appreciable. His recent mission Nirmal is helping to keep all of our area clean. He is not just working on keeping our area clean but also pushing everyone to keep our surrounding clean. His office is doing lot of activities for residents in our area, be it Aadhar card update, voted card registration.
Amol bhaiya mhanje aplya hakkacha “kamacha manus”