Pune News: Residents Of Undri, Mohamadwadi, NIBM Annexe Raise Alarm Over PMC Neglect: Infrastructure Woes Mount Â
Pune News: Residents Of Undri, Mohamadwadi, NIBM Annexe Raise Alarm Over PMC Neglect: Infrastructure Woes Mount Â
November 16, 2024, Pune: Residents of Undri, Mohamadwadi and NIBM Annexe have expressed frustration over the Pune Municipal Corporation’s (PMC) prolonged neglect of basic infrastructure needs, citing poor roads, lack of water supply, inadequate streetlights, and unsafe traffic conditions. Despite being home to more than 20,000 residents, these areas have seen little progress in addressing civic issues, prompting plans for a hunger strike on January 26, 2025.
Key Issues Highlighted By Residents
1. Narrow and Poorly Maintained Roads:
Roads in the area are riddled with potholes and remain incomplete for years. Major connecting routes, including those from ARC Society to Desai Hospital and Raheja Circle to Undri, have not seen significant development.
“Concrete roads were unnecessary; extending and repairing the existing tar roads would have sufficed,” said Adv Kishor Baligar, secretary, Dorabjee Paradise Bunglow Society In Mohamadwadi, adding that there is no supervision from PMC officials.
90 percent road work is delayed
At present, road from Sainik Vihar near Cloud 9 to Raheja Premiere Circle is under construction, road near Archana Glory is being concretised, road from Raheja Premiere Circle to Raheja’s New Towers is being constructed, the road from Dorabjee paradise bunglow society to Lavanya hotel is closed for traffic for more than 6 months now, road from DPS school to Handewadi is under construction for last one year now. There seems to be no end to the woes of the residents.
2. Heavy Vehicle Traffic:
Despite restrictions, heavy vehicles ply through residential zones during prohibited hours, creating noise and air pollution. Advocate Ritesh Yeolekar, a resident of Palace Orchards society in Undri expressed concern over the safety risks, especially for children and the elderly.
“Repeated complaints to authorities have yielded no action,” Yeolekar noted. He urged the PMC to impose fines and increase surveillance to deter violations.
3. Water Supply Crisis:
Many housing societies have relied solely on private water tankers for over 12 years, leading to exorbitant monthly expenses averaging ₹4.8 lakh for a 200-apartment complex. “PMC constructed water tanks near Royale Heritage Mall, but they’ve been non-functional for five years,” said Adv. Kishor Baligar, Secretary of Dorabjee Paradise Bungalow Society.
4. Inadequate Street Lighting:
Several areas lack proper lighting, with poles either missing fittings or entirely absent. This has created safety hazards, particularly at night. Dark streets make pedestrians vulnerable to accidents and crime,” said Sunil Koloti, a resident of Nyati Windchimes in Undri.
5. Sewage and Cleanliness Issues:
With no sewage pipelines in place, residents are forced to pump out waste frequently, resulting in additional costs and health risks. Stagnant waste has become a breeding ground for mosquitoes, further jeopardizing public health.
6. Encroachments and Congestion:
Encroachments along narrow roads exacerbate traffic congestion. Additionally, lack of sidewalks makes it perilous for pedestrians, especially given the area’s reputation as a schooling hub.
Undri Residents Face Infrastructure Struggles Amid High Taxes
Residents of Amit Colori society in Undri are voicing frustration over poor infrastructure despite paying water and road taxes. With no government water supply, residents are forced to rely on alternative sources, adding to their expenses. Frequent electricity outages disrupt daily life, further amplifying dissatisfaction. The narrow roads cause persistent traffic congestion, and the two-way highways lack sidewalks, posing risks for pedestrians. Despite being a schooling hub, Undri has no gardens for children, and new housing societies struggle with inadequate drainage. Residents are calling for immediate improvements to match the taxes they pay and meet community needs.
Hunger Strike Planned for Action:
In response to PMC’s inaction, residents plan to stage a hunger strike on Republic Day, presenting a detailed representation of their grievances to authorities. “Why should we pay taxes when basic amenities are nonexistent?” questioned Baligar, reflecting the collective sentiment of frustrated taxpayers.
The residents demand immediate action, including road completion, a municipal water supply, operational streetlights, and improved sanitation. Without intervention, the quality of life in Undri, Mohamadwadi and NIBM Annexe continues to deteriorate, putting public health and safety at significant risk.
