Concerns over rising dengue and malaria infections have intensified in Pune’s Baner-Balewadi area, where residents have linked stagnant water at construction sites, leaking sewage lines and water storage practices to increasing mosquito breeding. Citizens are seeking stronger preventive action from the Pune Municipal Corporation and its health department.
The concerns have been reported across housing societies in the area, according to Sakal – Pune. Residents say ongoing construction connected to Metro Line 3 between Hinjewadi and Shivajinagar has created excavation areas, pits and material storage points where rainwater can collect. They have also raised concerns about stagnant water along roads and around construction sites.
Residents have additionally complained about sewage flowing onto roads after pipeline failures. The Ramnadi, which flows through Baner, has also been identified by local residents as a source of mosquito nuisance because of sewage discharge and the spread of aquatic weeds. These complaints point to several overlapping sources of stagnant or polluted water in a neighbourhood undergoing rapid construction and population growth.
Many housing societies in Baner-Balewadi continue to depend on private water tankers because of inadequate municipal water supply, the report said. Residents consequently store larger quantities of water in tanks and drums, creating another possible breeding risk if containers are left uncovered.
The state health department has instructed authorities to intensify dengue and malaria control measures in high-risk areas. These measures include surveying patients with fever, spraying insecticides, releasing guppy fish into permanent water bodies and carrying out fogging wherever necessary.
The Baner-Balewadi Citizens’ Forum has called for mosquito-control drives, fogging and larvicide spraying in housing societies across the area. The demand comes as civic agencies face the challenge of managing public-health risks alongside extensive metro construction, road excavation and uneven water and sewage services.
Govind Dangat, assistant commissioner of the Aundh-Baner ward office, advised residents not to allow water to accumulate in or around their homes. He said water tanks and drums should remain covered, while water in plant pots, discarded tyres and empty containers should be changed regularly. Residents experiencing fever symptoms have also been advised to seek medical examination promptly.
The immediate response now depends on coordinated action by the municipal health department, the ward office, construction agencies and housing societies. The measures identified by the health department include fever surveillance, insecticide spraying, guppy-fish deployment in suitable permanent water bodies and fogging at locations assessed as necessary.
