Pan Card Club Road in Baner, Pune, is facing a worsening garbage crisis, with residents increasingly frustrated by the Pune Municipal Corporation’s (PMC) failure to address basic civic amenities. This area, home to over 20 housing societies and thousands of residents, has been struggling with a range of issues, but the recent monsoon season has highlighted the severe neglect in waste management, leading to unsanitary conditions and growing health concerns.
For days, garbage has been left unattended on both sides of the road, creating a foul environment that residents describe as unbearable. Despite numerous complaints to the PMC and active appeals on social media, the authorities have yet to take any meaningful action to resolve the issue. The neglect has led to the accumulation of waste, which not only emits a strong odour but also attracts pests like rats and insects, posing significant health risks to the local population. Residents are particularly concerned about the impact of uncollected waste on the environment and public health. The waste has blocked drainage systems, exacerbating waterlogging during the rainy season and increasing the risk of waterborne diseases. Additionally, the pollution is affecting the local ecosystem, degrading air and soil quality, and harming wildlife. The situation has become critical, with potholes on the road worsening due to waterlogging, creating hazardous conditions for drivers and pedestrians alike.
One resident from the area expressed his frustration, stating, “We are paying our taxes regularly, yet we are denied the most basic amenities. The garbage is piling up, and the stench is unbearable. Despite numerous complaints, the PMC has done nothing to address our concerns.” Attempts to reach the Assistant Commissioner of the PMC, who is in charge of the Aundh-Baner Ward Office, have been unsuccessful, leaving residents with little hope for immediate resolution. The lack of response from the PMC has only added to the frustration, with many questioning the effectiveness of the local government in managing essential services.
In addition to the garbage crisis, Pan Card Club Road suffers from a lack of proper infrastructure, including inadequate street lighting and the absence of footpaths, which further compromise the safety of residents. Reports of illegal activities under the cover of darkness have heightened safety concerns, prompting residents to consider escalating their grievances to higher authorities, including the Pune Police. Residents are now planning to meet with PMC officials and other relevant authorities to demand urgent action to resolve the garbage crisis and address the broader infrastructural issues plaguing Pan Card Club Road. The ongoing neglect has raised serious questions about the PMC’s commitment to ensuring a safe and healthy living environment for all its citizens.
