Pune: Park Infinia Residents From Phursungi Warn Of Protests If Sewage Overflow, Unsafe Roads, and Sanitation Issues Aren’t Resolved
Pune: Park Infinia Residents From Phursungi Warn Of Protests If Sewage Overflow, Unsafe Roads, and Sanitation Issues Aren't Resolved
Renuka Suryavanshi
Pune, July 23, 2025: Over 2,500 families residing in Park Infinia Township, Fursungi, have jointly submitted a detailed representation to the Pune Municipal Commissioner, the CEO of Fursungi-Uruli Devachi Municipal Council, and the Pune District Collector, highlighting persistent civic and public safety concerns in their area.
The residents, represented by five co-operative housing societies Park Infinia Phase IV-B, III B, IV A, III A and A and B have voiced their frustration over the lack of action on issues that have persisted for years despite repeated complaints to PMC, PMRDA, and the local council.
Phursungi – Uruli Devachi Municipal’s Say
Pune Pulse spoke to Prasad Shingte, Chief Executive Officer, Phursungi – Uruli Devachi Municipal Council who informed that they have been following up with PMC as the municipal council lacks the needed manpower. He added that the issues shall be sorted out soon.
Key Issues Highlighted:
1. Sewage Overflow and Waterlogging:
Residents reported frequent sewage overflows at the main township entrance and Gate No. 2, near Vibgyor School. During monsoons, water stagnation worsens, creating significant challenges for vehicular and pedestrian movement, especially endangering schoolchildren. Stagnant wastewater and open drains are also raising serious health concerns with heightened risks of vector-borne diseases like dengue, malaria, and cholera.
2. Deteriorating Road Conditions:
The road from Bharat Petrol Pump (near Fursungi Police Chowki) to Fursungi village is described as narrow, dilapidated, and encroached, unable to handle current traffic volumes. The route is crucial for local commuters, school buses, ambulances, and township residents, yet remains highly unsafe and prone to accidents.
This stretch is not limited to local traffic but is extensively used by school buses, ambulances, township residents, and commuters from nearby projects. Residents have pointed out that the condition of this road violates the Maharashtra Regional Town Planning Act, 2016, and PMRDA Development Control & Promotion Regulations, 2018.
They have also cited a landmark judgment by the Bombay High Court (Suo Motu PIL No. 71 of 2013, decided on May 20, 2015), which underscores that maintaining roads and pedestrian pathways, filling potholes, and ensuring safe infrastructure is a constitutional duty of local governing bodies. The court upheld the citizens’ right to safe and dignified travel as a fundamental right under Article 21 of the Constitution.
3. Traffic Safety Gaps Near Vibgyor School
Residents flagged severe safety lapses near Vibgyor School. The road in front of the school is steep, lacking speed breakers, “School Zone” signages, zebra crossings, or any warning boards. This creates a highly dangerous environment for children and pedestrians.
They highlighted that this situation is a direct violation of mandatory safety standards set by the Indian Roads Congress (IRC), specifically:
- IRC:99-2018 (Guidelines for Traffic Calming Measures in Urban and Rural Areas)
- IRC:35 (Pavement Markings)
- IRC:67 (Road Signage)
This negligence not only breaches rules but threatens the lives of school-going children and violates their fundamental right to safety under Article 21.
4. Poor Condition of the Temporary Bridge Near Othya and Surrounding Roads
The temporary bridge near Othya is in a highly dilapidated condition with pothole-ridden roads and no proper drainage system, resulting in waterlogging. This has led to frequent vehicle damage, accidents, and traffic congestion in the area.
Residents pointed out that under Section 63(1)(9) of the Maharashtra Municipal Corporation Act, 1949, it is the legal responsibility of the municipal corporation to maintain roads and ensure proper drainage during monsoons.
Residents’ Demands:
In their formal representation, the residents demanded:
- Permanent Solution to Sewage Overflow
- Clean and upgrade drainage systems to prevent recurring overflows.
- Removal of Encroachments Along Key Roads
- Clear all illegal encroachments along the Bharat Petrol Pump to Fursungi village road without delay.
- Proper Implementation of Planned Underground Drainage Systems
- Considering the area’s growing population and traffic, upgrade the existing drainage capacity with a scientifically planned, high-capacity system.
- Widening and Securing Roads as per Development Plans
- Widen the Bharat Petrol Pump to Fursungi village road immediately. Implement IRC-recommended safety measures near Vibgyor School, including speed breakers, appropriate signage, and zebra crossings.
- Develop pedestrian pathways along the entire stretch to ensure safety.
- Urgent Upgradation of the Temporary Bridge and Adjacent Roads
- Complete resurfacing and development of the road near the bridge to ease congestion and ensure smooth traffic flow.
Warning of Peaceful Protests
In the notice, residents have urged authorities to respond within seven working days with a written assurance, a timeline for implementing each approved demand, and reasons for rejecting any request.
Failing this, residents plan to:
- Organize a peaceful protest at Park Infinia Gate No. 2 and along Fursungi Road under their constitutional rights (Article 19(1)(c)).
- If issues remain unresolved, proceed to an indefinite hunger strike.
They cautioned that any traffic disruption during protests will be an outcome of civic inaction, holding authorities accountable for the consequences. They also stressed that blaming citizens exercising their democratic rights would be unlawful and that action should instead target illegal encroachments and administrative negligence.
The residents await an immediate response from the municipal administration to avoid escalation.
