Katraj residents take the ‘dharna’ route demanding basic amenities

Police gear storm the rally, activist Namesh Babar to continue hunger strike.

Chaitraly Deshmukh

Pune:  Citizens are on a hunger strike at Katraj Chowk to grab the attention of the administrators on their area’s lack of basic infrastructure. Police gear stormed the women’s rally who had come to support the strike and this led to high drama on April 19. Women from the area had gathered at the water pumping station to show their support.

 Residents from Katraj, Mangdewadi, Bhilarewadi and Gujar-Nimbalkarwadi participated in the protest. They alleged that PMC has not provided proper infrastructure, education, hospital or transport facilities in the area.

 Social activist Namesh Babar has started a fast-unto-death to expose the troubles faced by the residents for the last 25 years.

“ I am on a hunger strike to wake up the administration, which has turned its back towards Katraj despite paying taxes. No development plan has been prepared for the newly-included villages. My hunger strike would continue till the problems of the people of Katraj are fully resolved,” said activist Namesh Babar.