Pune: Heavy Vehicles Damage Pipelines At Benkar Nagar In Dhayari; Residents Warn Of Protest
Pune: Heavy Vehicles Damage Pipelines At Benkar Nagar In Dhayari; Residents Warn Of Protest
Pune, April 26, 2026: Residents of Benkar Nagar in Dhayari have raised serious concerns over extensive damage to water supply and sewage infrastructure caused by heavy vehicular movement on an alternative route. The issue has emerged after traffic was diverted due to ongoing road work in Survey No. 5 in the area.
According to locals, the narrow internal road now being used as a diversion has been subjected to continuous movement of heavy dumpers and trucks transporting construction materials such as stones and gravel. This has led to the collapse of water pipelines, sewage lines, and drainage chambers, resulting in wastewater flowing openly on the streets.
The situation has caused significant inconvenience to thousands of residents, with reports of sewage water entering homes and accumulating outside residential societies. The foul smell and unhygienic conditions have raised concerns about public health risks.
Residents also highlighted a rise in traffic congestion and accidents due to the movement of heavy vehicles on the narrow stretch. They alleged negligence on the part of the traffic department and municipal administration, stating that no effective measures have been taken to address the issue.
A memorandum has been submitted to the civic authorities by Dhananjay Benkar, Pune city president of the Aam Aadmi Party. He stated that the main road work in Benkar Nagar has been progressing at a very slow pace, forcing traffic diversion for the past two months.
Benkar pointed out that the alternative route passes through a densely populated area with several housing societies, making it unsuitable for heavy vehicles. He added that damaged sewage chambers and pipelines have led to continuous water leakage and sewage overflow, worsening living conditions for residents.
Locals, including students, women, and senior citizens, have found it increasingly unsafe to even walk along the route. Several minor injuries have been reported due to collisions involving dumpers and trucks, raising fears of a major accident.
Shopkeepers and small business owners have also expressed concern, stating that heavy vehicles often come dangerously close to entering shops. Traffic jams involving autorickshaws, two-wheelers, and school buses have become frequent due to the road’s limited width.
Residents have demanded an immediate ban on the movement of heavy vehicles on the alternative route. They warned that if authorities fail to act promptly, they will launch a “rasta roko” (road blockade) protest in the coming days.
