Sahakarnagar residents write to PMC about discouraging social programs to be held at Bagul udyan 

Pune : Several Sahakarnagar residents, living near Vasantrao Bagul Udyan (Park), and Sahakarnagar Citizens Forum, have requested the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) to stop all kinds of cultural & social events happening or those that are planned to take place in Bagul Udyan.

Speaking to Pune Pulse, Kiran Gulumbe, Resident of Jaie Society, Near Bagul Udyan, Sahakarnagar, said “We are living in the residential societies just behind the Bagul Udyan (Park) for around 40 years. A laser show was started in the park along with loud music which has been affecting us a lot. Another show, on the theme of war & army, was started in which loud noises of the cannon balls firing, firing of war arms etc were there. When we complained to the police, it was shut. The noises were so loud that the windows of our flats used to shake.”

Kiran Gulumbe further added “Christmas is approaching. Hence, events are done on the festival day. We are not against doing programs & events, however, they shouldn’t be done or organized inside parks and similar places. Senior citizens visit the park. Hence, loud music & sounds, various rallies & events etc keep taking place inside the Bagul Udyan which trouble everyone nearby. Apart from loud noises, park is littered as well. Also, firecrackers are burst during social events inside the park. Such things have been happening since several years.”

As per further information from the request letter accessed by Pune Pulse, during Christmas evenings, Diwali dawns etc, laser shows & various ‘cultural events’ are being held illegally in Vasantrao Bagul Udyan. This is a residential area and some local organizations organize programs without any consideration for senior citizens, women, patients, students, children here.

In this park, due to these events, there is huge noise pollution, air pollution is caused by bursting of firecrackers, generator vans are brought, lights are put on, garbage is thrown, due to which even the citizens who regularly walk and exercise in this park have to suffer a lot. Some local leaders belonging to political parties do not think about citizens.

The Pune Municipal Corporation has prepared regulations for organizing such programs in the park. As per the regulations, the program/event organizer has to take relevant permissions to conduct such programs in the park. Also, social programs & events cannot be allowed in the park if there is opposition from local citizens. Hence, the nearby citizens have requested the PMC to not allow any events in Bagul Udyan under any circumstances.

Amit Abhyankar, Founder Member, Sahakarnagar Citizens Forum, said “If such social programs & events take place inside Bagul Udyan despite PMC regulations, we will take further legal opinions & routes & check if the organizers got the required permissions or not, how did they get the permissions and more.”

Shreyas Vange