Pune News: Kalyani Nagar Residents Call for Urgent Action on Pedestrian Safety 

Chetna Raja 

Residents of Kalyani Nagar are up in arms over the hazardous condition of the footpath in front of Silver Oak Society Marrakesh Corner. Loose pavement blocks have created a significant risk for pedestrians, particularly during the rainy season. Despite repeated complaints, the authorities have failed to take prompt action, leading to a recent severe accident on July 28, 2024, resulting in a dislocated hip bone and three months of bed rest for the victim.

Monica Sharma, a resident of Kalyani Nagar, expressed her frustration, “It’s appalling that the authorities are waiting for further mishaps to occur before taking action. We can’t stress enough the importance of addressing potential dangers proactively rather than reactively.”

Yasmin Charania, another resident, highlighted the prime location of the hazardous pavement blocks, “This is a VIP road with heavy vehicular movement, especially during the rainy season. The blocks are not stable, and it’s a risk to both students and parents who use this road daily.”

Aditya Patil, a long-time resident, shared his concern, “We travel on this road with fear, not knowing if we’ll reach home or the hospital.”

Munir Vastani, a 25-year resident, questioned the authorities’ priorities, “We don’t know if it’s to save money or some other reason, but it feels like there’s no value for human life. We need concrete action before a big tragedy occurs.”

In response to the concerns, Sachin Bagde, PMC Road Department Officer, assured, “I’m sending a team of engineers to balance the pavement blocks and ensure the safety of residents and commuters. We will repair them at the earliest. Although we don’t have the budget for concrete roads currently, we’re exploring options and will address this issue as soon as possible.”

The residents demand prompt action to prevent further accidents and ensure pedestrian safety in Kalyani Nagar.