Residents of a prominent Pune suburb have decided to make their vote count by setting clear conditions for the candidates contesting the upcoming civic polls. More than 30 housing societies and residential complexes in the Sus Road and Baner area have collectively drafted a list of 19 specific demands, which they have presented to the aspirants for the January 15 Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) elections.
Key Demands for Civic Amenities and Safety
The charter of demands focuses heavily on improving core civic infrastructure and public safety. A primary concern is the need for safer travel and a significant overhaul of the public transport system in the locality. Residents are also pushing for an augmentation in daily piped water supply to reduce their chronic dependency on private water tankers, a persistent issue affecting their daily lives.
To bolster security, the forum has demanded the establishment of a dedicated police chowky (outpost) and the creation of a comprehensive CCTV network to enhance surveillance across the neighbourhood. The forum, known as the Sus Baner Vikas Manch, finalised this 19-point agenda after detailed consultations among its member societies.
Focus on Traffic, Environment, and Utilities
Beyond basic amenities, the residents have highlighted critical infrastructure gaps. They have called for the widening of service roads along the Sus flyover and strict enforcement of one-way traffic rules to ease congestion. Pedestrian safety is also a priority, with demands for wider footpaths near the flyover, along with proper installation of barricades, speed breakers, rumble strips, and solutions for blind spots.
On the environmental front, the charter includes a push for better solid waste management and, notably, the closure of the existing waste processing plant. A unique demand is the development of an "oxygen park" to enhance green cover and air quality. Regarding utilities, residents want the piped gas connection network by Maharashtra Natural Gas Limited (MNGL) to be extended to cover localities in Baner Annex and Sus Road.
Residents Seek Commitment from Corporators
Vinay Deshpande, President of the Sus Baner Vikas Manch, and forum secretary Haresh Patil stated that the demands emerged from extensive discussions among various housing society members. They emphasised that the candidates must factor these issues into their election agendas and commit to addressing them.
Deshpande stressed that the area's elected corporators must give top priority to the problems faced by Sus and Baner residents when planning and executing development projects. The collective action underscores a growing trend of informed citizen groups in urban Pune seeking concrete assurances on local governance and development, moving beyond generic political promises ahead of the crucial municipal polls.
