Residents From Kalyani Nagar, Baner, Pashan, Viman Nagar Unite Against Illegal Pubs And Noise Pollution In Pune
Residents From Kalyani Nagar, Baner, Pashan, Viman Nagar Unite Against Illegal Pubs And Noise Pollution In Pune
Renuka Suryavanshi
Pune: Residents of Kalyaninagar, Baner, Pashan, Vimannagar, and nearby areas gathered for a crucial meeting at the additional police commissioner’s office on Tuesday to address the disturbances caused by pubs, bars, and commercial establishments operating illegally. The meeting, presided over by Rajya Sabha MP Medha Kulkarni, was attended by officials from Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), the civic building permission and encroachment departments, the excise department, and the fire department.
Monica Sharma, a resident of Kalyaninagar, voiced concerns over unauthorized bars and rooftop establishments, illegal land use changes, and persistent noise pollution. She highlighted the severe impact on senior citizens, students, and the community at large. “Despite repeated complaints, the nuisance continues, affecting our peace and safety,” she said.
Key Issues Highlighted by Residents
- Lack of Action Against Illegal Establishments:Â Authorities have failed to curb the operation of unauthorized bars and pubs within residential areas.
- Unregulated Rooftop Venues:Â Illegal rooftop restaurants, bars, and pubs continue to operate without necessary approvals.
- Repeat Offenders:Â Establishments with multiple violations should have their licenses revoked.
- Women’s Safety & Drug-Related Concerns: Increasing incidents pose a significant threat to the safety of women in the area.
- Closing Time Regulation: Residents demand the rollback of closing hours from 1:30 AM to 11:30 PM to minimize disturbances.
- Unauthorized Land Use Conversions:Â Residential properties are being illegally converted into commercial spaces, leading to an uncontrolled rise in bars, pubs, and restaurants.
- Noise Pollution Impact:Â Excessive noise from pubs and bars has disrupted the peace and well-being of residents.
- Alcohol Sale Near Sensitive Zones:Â Liquor is being sold in buildings close to residential societies, schools, and temples, making daily life difficult for locals.
- Public Drinking & Police Inaction:Â Open consumption of alcohol in residential areas continues unchecked, with no enforcement from authorities.
- Harassment by Intoxicated Individuals:Â Drunkards frequently harass women, compromising their safety.
- Threat of Drunk Driving:Â Reckless driving under the influence endangers both residents and motorists.
- Encroachments by Illegal Stalls:Â Footpaths and roads are being occupied by unauthorized kiosks (tapris) near liquor outlets, causing inconvenience to pedestrians.
Residents also raised alarm over the unchecked sale and open consumption of alcohol near residential areas, schools, and temples. Other issues discussed included incidents of harassment, drunk driving, and encroachments caused by illegal kiosks near liquor shops.
Among the citizens Advocate Satya Muley who has filed several petitions in High Court and Supreme Court related to noise pollution, Mr Vijay Sagar and Mr Vilas Lele of Akhil Bhartiya Grahak Panchayat who have been complaining about the inaction of PMC towards illegal construction and land use changes were present. Residents representing Baner, Pashan, Balewadi were also present in the meeting.
Aditya Patil, another resident, emphasized that housing societies in Kalyaninagar and Vimannagar have formally submitted complaints regarding noise pollution and unauthorized commercial activity.
MP Kulkarni assured citizens of strict action against violators and requested detailed reports on permissions granted to these establishments. She called for a thorough review of licences issued by the police, PMC, and excise departments, promising to work towards restoring peace in Pune’s residential areas.
The meeting reflected the collective determination of residents and authorities to curb illegal commercial activities and safeguard public health and safety.
