Pune : Over 500 Frustrated Baner Balewadi Residents Protest Against PMC For Neglecting Basic Amenities
Over 500 Frustrated Residents of Baner and Balewadi areas in Pune took to the streets near Balewadi Phata in a massive protest, expressing their anger and helplessness over the lack of adequate water supply, exorbitant expenses on water tankers, poor traffic management, and other pressing issues. The demonstration, which saw the participation of over 500 residents, highlighted the continuous neglect from the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC).
Rajendra Chuttar, the President of Baner Pashan Link Road Welfare Trust and a resident of Baner, voiced his frustrations, saying, “The problem of inadequate water supply persists throughout the area, be it Baner, Balewadi, or Baner Pashan Link Road. Footpaths and roads are in dire condition, making it impossible for pedestrians to walk safely. Despite three previous protests, none of our concerns have been addressed. After more than seven years, what should the residents do? Should we continue paying property tax without even basic facilities? I pay Rs 14,000 in property tax annually, yet the PMC continues to neglect us.”
M S R Murthy, a resident of Sai Palace Apartment in Balewadi, expressed his dismay at the lack of basic amenities, saying, “How can residents live without essential facilities such as water supply, proper footpaths, and roads? Cars are being parked on footpaths, rendering them unusable for pedestrians. Traffic management is non-existent. We have been raising these issues for the past 12 years, but the PMC continues to ignore us. Numerous potholes plague our roads, posing a risk to drivers. Moreover, several hotels and businesses have encroached upon the footpaths.”
Maniram Gupta, a resident of Comfort Zone Society in Balewadi, lamented the lack of progress on basic issues, saying, “I have been living in Balewadi since 2010, and in all these 13 years, nothing has been done to address our concerns. As a member of the Comfort Zone society’s managing committee, we paid Rs 8 lakh for water last month alone. Water supply, bus stops, and other issues persist. Alongside property tax, we also bear the burden of maintaining our societies. How long can we continue like this?”
Madhusudhan Bansal, Chairman of F Residences Society in Balewadi, shed light on the exorbitant expenses incurred by residents, stating, “To meet our daily water needs, we are forced to purchase 35 tankers for the entire society, which consists of approximately 368 flats. This translates to spending lakhs of rupees on water tankers. How long will we be at the mercy of the water tanker mafia? Furthermore, the roads are riddled with potholes. PMC officials visit the area and make empty promises, but no substantial action is taken.”
The protest served as a platform for residents to demand immediate attention from the PMC, emphasizing the urgent need for improved water supply, well-maintained roads, and enhanced civic amenities. The disillusioned residents are determined to persist until their grievances are adequately addressed and resolved.
Shreyas Vange
