Lohegaon and Dhanori residents have taken to the streets to voice their concerns over the slow pace of infrastructure development in their areas. The protest, which took place at the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) office in Shivajinagar, highlighted the pressing issues of poor road connectivity, inadequate water supply, and a lack of basic amenities.
According to the residents, the areas were merged with the PMC three years ago, but despite the significant population growth, the development has been sluggish. The residents have submitted a list of demands to the PMC, including the completion of DP roads, improved road connectivity, and dedicated funds for the development of the area. The residents’ concerns are not unfounded. The area’s road infrastructure is woefully inadequate, with many arterial roads and bylanes struggling to accommodate larger vehicles. This has resulted in schoolchildren facing significant challenges while commuting to and from school due to the lack of traffic planning. Furthermore, the existing roads are plagued by illegal parking and encroachment by vendors, highlighting the need for effective monitoring by the civic administration.
Water supply has also been a major concern in the area, with some residents reporting improvements after the introduction of the Bhama Askhed scheme. However, many areas still face water scarcity, highlighting the need for a more comprehensive solution. In response to the protests, officials from the PMC have promised to hold a meeting to discuss the issues raised by the residents. The corporation has also announced plans to begin work on widening roads and executing water supply projects in the area.
While these developments are welcome, they do little to address the broader concerns raised by the residents. The slow pace of infrastructure development in Lohegaon and Dhanori is a stark reminder of the need for greater attention to be paid to these areas. As the city continues to grow and expand, it is imperative that the PMC prioritizes the development of these areas to ensure that all residents have access to basic amenities. The protests serve as a stark reminder of the need for greater accountability and transparency from the PMC. As the city’s population continues to grow, it is essential that the corporation prioritizes the development of these areas to ensure that all residents have access to basic amenities.
