Pune : Encroachment on footpaths in Baner Mahalunge road irks residents 

Residents of Baner are in distress as many encroachments remain on the footpaths near Manipal Hospitals on Baner-Mahalunge Road, making it utmost difficult for residents to walk.

Speaking to Pune Pulse, a resident of Baner, requesting anonymity, said “There are numerous encroachments on the footpaths near Manipal Hospitals. All the space is occupied there. These people also have their own tempo which is parked on the footpaths. Apart from these, bikes also remain parked on the footpaths. We are calling Pune a Smart City. The perpetrators aren’t poor to not have spaces for parking their vehicles at their own place as they own several tempos, expensive bikes. This is only to unnecessarily occupy space. I have been following up this issue with the PMC since 6 months but nothing has happened.”

Sarang Wable, Resident of Baner, said “The encroachments are there on the footpaths near Manipal Hospital since several years. Their animals like cow etc remain tied on the footpath, garages are there, shops & other types of encroachments are also there. I don’t know why the PMC hasn’t taken any strict action against them. Even if action is taken, it is temporary as these encroachments come back on the footpaths immediately. There is no permanent action.”

Ameya Jagtap, Member, Balewadi Welfare Association, said “This has become a permanent thing. Especially from Manipal Hospital to Sadanand Hotel, encroachments are there. There is a residential settlement in the area where there are small shacks/cottages (zopdi). They park their vehicles on the footpaths & encroach it with other things too. Pedestrians have to face a lot of hassles while walking on those footpaths due to the encroachments. PMC has to ensure strict & permanent action against this as, only temporarily, the encroachments go away when PMC arrives at the spot but return to the footpaths when the PMC officials go.”

Sachin Uthale, Encroachment Officer, PMC, said “We will inspect the location & take relevant action against it.”

Shreyas Vange