Pune: Forest Trails Residents From Bhugaon Protest Against Builder Over Water Shortages, Power Outages, And Escalating Charges
Pune: Forest Trails Residents From Bhugaon Protest Against Builder Over Water Shortages, Power Outages, And Escalating Charges
Pune, January 6, 2025 — In a striking display of unity, over 100 residents of Forest Trails, a private township developed by Paranjape Schemes Construction Ltd. (PSCL) in Bhugaon, gathered for a silent protest outside the PSCL office on Ketkar Path, Prabhat Road. Among the protesters were retired IAS officers, doctors, engineers, entrepreneurs, and residents from various professions, all voicing frustration over what they describe as the developer’s gross negligence in managing the township’s infrastructure and services.
In a striking display of unity, over 100 residents of Forest Trails, a private township in Bhugaon, gathered for a silent protest outside the builders office on Ketkar Path, Prabhat Road. Among the protesters were retired IAS officers, doctors, engineers, entrepreneurs, and… pic.twitter.com/VYRLGQv6qq
— Pune Pulse (@pulse_pune) January 6, 2025
Mounting Complaints and Drastic Measures
Residents accuse PSCL of failing to ensure basic amenities such as consistent water supply and electricity, as mandated by the Integrated Township Regulations. Recently, water supply to the township was drastically reduced, with PSCL staff allegedly threatening a complete cutoff. The residents report that water outages and power failures, particularly during the monsoon season, have become frequent occurrences.
In a recent instance, PSCL attributed a water supply disruption to unpaid electricity charges amounting to a few lakhs, despite residents paying water bills regularly at Rs. 48.36 per 1,000 liters—significantly higher than charges in comparable townships. After strong objections from residents, the water supply was restored, but fears of recurrence led to a police complaint filed by hundreds of residents on January 2, 2025.
Adding to the grievances, PSCL has announced an arbitrary hike in water charges to between Rs. 100 and Rs. 200 per 1,000 liters, rates far exceeding those of Pune Municipal Corporation and other private townships.
Legal and Administrative Pursuits
The residents have escalated their grievances to the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA), the regulatory body overseeing private townships. A hearing with the PMRDA Commissioner is scheduled for January 9, 2025. Determined to address the long-standing issues, residents are prepared to approach the judiciary if necessary.
Disputed Claims by PSCL, Inform Residents
In response to a press conference held by the residents on January 3 at PYC Hindu Gymkhana, PSCL’s Chief Operating Officer, Sakshi Mahale, alleged that the complaints came from “a handful of defaulters” owing over Rs. 5 crore in dues. Mahale claimed these individuals were using the media to discredit PSCL, asserting that the township’s advisory committee is in place to amicably resolve issues.
Residents, however, refuted these claims as baseless. They clarified that those who addressed the media include members of the now-defunct township advisory committee. Furthermore, they challenged PSCL to provide specific details about alleged defaulters and outstanding dues, hinting at possible legal action for defamation.
Financial Discrepancies
Over the past decade, PSCL has reportedly collected over Rs. 15 crore from residents, including Rs. 4.5 crore in water charges and Rs. 7.6 crore in ad-hoc township maintenance charges. Residents allege that receipts were often not provided despite repeated reminders, raising questions about the accountability of these funds.
Residents Demand Accountability
The protest signals mounting frustration among Forest Trails residents, who demand transparency, a rollback of unjustified rate hikes, and an end to frequent service disruptions. With the PMRDA hearing just days away, residents remain resolute in their efforts to hold PSCL accountable and restore normalcy in their township.
