Pune: Crores-Worth PMC Amenity Plot Near Gemini Park Avenue In Mohammadwadi Reduced To Buffalo Shed, Garbage Dump Amid Civic Neglect

Residents accuse PMC of allowing public land to deteriorate; fear encroachment as reserved amenity space remains unprotected

Pune, June 28, 2026: Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) amenity plot worth several crores of rupees in Gemini Park Cooperative Housing Society at NIBM Annexe, Mohammadwadi, has become a glaring example of civic neglect, with residents alleging that the land reserved for public amenities has been transformed into a buffalo shed, garbage dumping ground, open urination spot and an unhygienic space frequented by stray dogs.

The plot, which is reserved under the Development Plan (DP) for public amenities such as a garden, playground, community hall or other civic facilities, today bears little resemblance to its intended purpose. Instead of serving citizens, the land has become a source of inconvenience, foul smell and health concerns for hundreds of families living in the surrounding residential complexes.

A Public Asset Worth Crores Left to Rot

Residents say the market value of the amenity plot runs into several crores of rupees considering the soaring real estate prices in Mohammadwadi and NIBM Annexe. Despite its immense value, the land has been left without even the most basic civic protection.

There is no proper entrance gate to regulate access. The compound wall is too low to prevent trespassing. In several places, people and animals can enter the land freely. There is no security guard, no CCTV surveillance, no lighting and no signboard indicating that the property belongs to PMC and is reserved for public use.

Citizens question how a valuable public property can remain completely unsecured while the civic administration continues to collect property tax and development charges from residents.

Buffaloes Tied Inside the Plot

Residents allege that buffaloes are regularly tethered inside the amenity space, converting public land into an unofficial cattle enclosure.

According to them, the presence of livestock has resulted in dung, foul odour and flies, making the area unhygienic. They say the civic body has taken no visible action despite such activities being carried out openly on government land.

Residents argue that allowing cattle on a reserved public amenity plot defeats the very purpose for which the land was earmarked.

Garbage Dumping Becoming Routine

The vacant plot has also become a convenient dumping ground for garbage and construction debris.

Residents say plastic waste, domestic refuse, discarded materials and other rubbish are regularly thrown inside the land. During the monsoon, accumulated waste creates breeding grounds for mosquitoes and poses a health hazard.

They fear that continued dumping may permanently damage the land and increase the cost of future development.

Open Urination and Stray Dogs Add to Misery

The absence of fencing and monitoring has encouraged people to use portions of the plot for open urination.

Residents complain that the foul smell is particularly unbearable during the summer months and after rainfall.

Stray dogs also use the open land for urination and defecation. Families living nearby say children and senior citizens are forced to pass by an unhygienic area every day instead of enjoying what should have been a landscaped public space.

Citizens’ Tree Plantation Allegedly Destroyed

Residents claim that in an effort to protect the land from encroachment and improve the environment, local citizens had voluntarily planted trees on the amenity plot.

However, they allege that the trees were later removed by members of the local land mafia. According to residents, the destruction of the plantation discouraged community participation and exposed the land once again to misuse.

Residents allege that despite complaints, no action was initiated to identify those responsible or restore the damaged greenery.

Fear of Future Encroachment

Urban planners have often warned that vacant government lands without fencing or active use become vulnerable to encroachment.

Residents fear that continued neglect of the Gemini amenity plot may eventually lead to illegal occupation, making it difficult for PMC to reclaim the land for public purposes.

Citizens say that once public land is lost to encroachment, restoring it involves years of litigation and substantial public expenditure.

Questions Over PMC’s Civic Planning

Residents have questioned why PMC has failed to develop the reserved plot despite rapid urbanisation in Mohammadwadi and NIBM Annexe.

Thousands of families now live in the area, yet there remains a shortage of public gardens, playgrounds, walking tracks and community recreational spaces.

Citizens argue that while the city continues to approve large residential projects, corresponding civic infrastructure has failed to keep pace.

Repeated Complaints Yield Little Result

Residents say they have repeatedly approached civic officials regarding the condition of the plot and requested immediate protection and development.

Despite repeated representations, they allege that little has changed on the ground.

According to them, the lack of visible action has emboldened misuse of the land.

Residents’ Demands

Residents have urged PMC to immediately:

– Construct a full-height compound wall around the entire plot.

– Install a permanent entrance gate with restricted access.

– Remove buffaloes and prohibit cattle from entering the land.

– Clear all garbage and prevent further dumping.

– Stop public urination through fencing, signage and enforcement.

– Restore tree plantation with proper maintenance.

– Install CCTV cameras and adequate lighting.

– Display boards identifying the land as a protected PMC amenity plot.

– Develop the space into a public garden, children’s play area, walking track or community recreation facility as originally intended.

– Conduct an inquiry into the alleged destruction of trees and fix accountability.

Residents say the condition of the Gemini Cooperative Housing Society amenity plot has become a symbol of administrative neglect. They argue that a public asset worth crores cannot be allowed to remain an open cattle yard and garbage dump while citizens are denied the amenities promised under the city’s Development Plan.

They maintain that the manner in which PMC responds to the issue will demonstrate whether the civic body is committed to protecting public land or willing to let valuable community assets deteriorate through continued neglect.