Pune’s Newly Added Villages Left Behind as Funds Shift to Baner, Balewadi
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A significant portion of funds allocated for essential infrastructure in Pune’s newly included villages has been diverted to affluent areas like Baner, Balewadi, and Sus. The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) had earmarked Rs 38.50 crore for water supply and road improvements in underdeveloped villages. However, this amount is now being spent on projects in well-developed areas allegedly under pressure from influential local leaders.
In the 2024-25 budget, PMC allocated Rs 10 crore for a master plan to improve water supply in 32 villages recently added to its limits. Another Rs 18.50 crore was set aside for road asphalting in these areas. While some progress has been made in villages like Sus, Mahalunge, Lohgaon, and Wagholi, work in other regions—such as Khadakwasla, Dhayari, Narhe, Mangdewadi, Bhilarewadi, and Ambegaon—has yet to begin.
These areas face severe water shortages and poor road conditions, making the need for development urgent. Yet, Rs 38.50 crore meant for their improvement has been redirected by the Water Supply and Roads Department to fund projects in Baner, Balewadi, and Sus. The funds are being used for sewage channel replacement, road asphalting, and pothole filling in these affluent localities.
Residents of the neglected villages have voiced their frustration, accusing the authorities of prioritizing developed areas at their expense. Critics argue that this shift in funding highlights a lack of focus on equitable development within PMC’s jurisdiction.
As work in the underdeveloped villages remains stalled, the diversion of funds raises serious concerns about addressing infrastructure gaps in Pune’s newly added regions.
