Pune's residents are preparing to vote in the crucial Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) elections, a pivotal event that will shape the city's development trajectory for the next five years. The election, scheduled for January 15 with results on January 16, sees citizens across wards prioritizing fundamental civic issues over political rhetoric. With 165 seats in contention, the focus remains squarely on garbage management, crippling traffic congestion, erratic water supply, and environmental degradation.
Ward-Wise Breakdown: The Top Civic Challenges
The electoral battle is set against a backdrop of rapid urbanization and infrastructure strain. While two BJP candidates from Ward No. 35 have been elected unopposed, the contest in other areas is intense, with voter sentiment driven by local grievances.
Dhankawdi-Sahakarnagar: Traffic Gridlock and Health Hazards
This bustling locality, encompassing Sahakarnagar, Dhankawdi, Katraj, and Ambegaon, is a microcosm of Pune's growth pains. The area's 13 corporators will have to address a long list of concerns. Key issues include the perpetual traffic snarls at major chowks like Trimurti and Katraj, exacerbated by haphazard parking. A significant health concern is the improper cleaning of the Ambil Odha, leading to constant stench. Residents in Taljai Mata Vasahat and Sahakarnagar also grapple with low-pressure water supply. The long-pending road widening at Teen Hatti Chowk and the absence of a well-equipped government hospital are other major demands.
Amit Abhyankar, a resident of Sahakarnagar, emphasizes the traffic chaos on Golwalkar Guruji Path due to encroachments and illegal food stalls. Nirmala Thormote from Ambegaon points to erratic water supply and outdated civic infrastructure failing the growing population.
Warje-Karvenagar: Protecting Green Cover Amid Congestion
This residential hub, home to vital green lungs like Vetal Tekdi and Mahatma Hill, is fighting a dual battle. Residents are adamant about protecting the hills from encroachment and development projects. At the same time, civic failures like irregular waste collection and severe congestion at Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Chowk plague daily life. The area's 12 corporators also face complaints about stalled road widening projects and poor drainage in Malwadi.
Vitthal Pasalkar from Warje states that saving the tekdi is the top priority, alongside demands for a flyover at Ambedkar Chowk. Monika Pandhare from Deccan echoes the sentiment for preserving Vetal Tekdi and calls for a cap on commercial establishments in residential zones.
Sinhagad Road, Kasba-Vishrambaug, and Kondhwa-Yewalewadi: Common Threads of Neglect
The challenges repeat across other major areas. On Sinhagad Road, covering Suncity, Shivane, and Narhe, the stalled canal road project and water scarcity—with supply only 2-3 times a week—are critical. The Kasba-Vishrambaug area, with its old peths, suffers from illegal encroachments, poor road repairs, and disgraceful public toilet conditions near heritage sites.
In Kondhwa-Yewalewadi, choked drainage systems are causing mosquito-borne disease outbreaks and foul odours, while the condition of the local crematorium raises safety alarms. Across all these regions, a consistent theme is the mismatch between rapid real estate development and the slow upgrade of essential civic amenities.
The Road Ahead: Projects and Promises
While problems abound, several ongoing and future projects offer some hope. These include the completion of the Katraj flyover, the underground Metro connecting Swargate to Katraj, and the Metro extension to Khadakwasla. However, residents remain skeptical, having seen many projects stall. The new corporators will be judged on their ability to expedite these initiatives while delivering on basic services. The January 15 vote is ultimately a referendum on Pune's livability, with citizens demanding actionable solutions to the city's enduring civic crisis.
