Pune : Increase In Nightclubs, Drink N Drive Cases Raises Concern Among Kalyani Nagar Residents

Residents of Wadgaon Sheri, Kalyani Nagar, Koregaon Park, have been consistently raising voices against pubs, restaurants and bars disturbing the peace of the area. The growing concern among the residents is about the increasing number of eateries, mostly those which are playing live music, or hosting music bands, which are causing nuisance in the residential areas. 

A resident complained, “One of the major concerns associated with this increase is the issue of drunk driving. As the number of nightclubs has grown, so has the potential for individuals to consume alcohol excessively and then get behind the wheel of a vehicle. This poses a serious threat to the safety of both the drivers themselves and innocent people on the roads. However, the problem does not end there. As these individuals navigate their way through the residential areas surrounding the nightclubs, they often create a nuisance for the residents. The customers of these nightclubs consume alcohol on roads and  also vomit in the residential areas in front of residents’ homes. They break the alcohol bottles on the road after drinking making the road unsafe for pedestrians.Women safety is also a concern. There have been instances when individuals have been engaged in physical fights.The disturbances caused by honking, loud music, and unruly behavior during the early hours of the morning have significantly impacted the peaceful environment that once prevailed in our neighborhood.” 

In the past, law enforcement agencies have implemented strict measures to combat drunk driving, including conducting random breathalyzer tests and setting up checkpoints. These measures have played a crucial role in deterring individuals from driving under the influence of alcohol and have contributed to a safer road environment. 

Another resident complained, “However, it has come to our attention that the enforcement of such checks has become less stringent in recent times. Unfortunately post covid this practise has been discontinued by the police though situation to normal life has returned.It appears that the authorities may not be giving this issue the attention it deserves, considering the increasing number of nightclubs and the potential for more instances of drunk driving. We believe it is essential for us as concerned citizens to raise this issue and advocate for stricter enforcement of laws related to drunk driving. It is imperative that law enforcement agencies conduct regular checks using breathalyzers to detect and discourage individuals from driving while intoxicated.” 

Traffic police should also consider organizing awareness campaigns within the community to educate people about the dangers of drunk driving and the potential consequences it can have on their lives and the lives of others. By fostering a sense of responsibility and promoting a culture of safe driving, we can collectively work towards reducing the instances of drunk driving in our area.