Pune’s iconic Saras Baug, once a pride of the city, is now grappling with severe neglect, encroachment, and sanitation issues—triggering widespread frustration among daily visitors and residents.
Built by Nanasaheb Peshwa and nestled at the foothills of Parvati, Saras Baug was once a tranquil garden and a key tourist destination. But the site’s current condition tells a different story. Daily walkers, devotees, and concerned citizens are voicing alarm over what they call the administration’s prolonged inaction. Srikanth Kakade, a 63-year-old regular visitor, described the approach road to the garden as “pathetic.” “Food stalls have encroached the entire footpath, even extending into the road to place chairs and tables. It narrows the route and poses risks to vehicles. There’s no drainage; dirty water from these stalls flows openly at night, creating a filthy and foul-smelling environment,” he said.
Local resident Shirish Shinde echoed the concerns, calling it “disgraceful” that a site as sacred as the Saras Baug Ganpati temple remains engulfed in dirt. “The number of stray dogs has increased. They scare tourists and devotees. There’s barely any space left for pedestrians due to encroachments. What message are we sending to visitors?” The issue reflects a larger trend across Pune. Social activist Sarang Yadwarkar pointed out that similar encroachments plague areas like Kalyani Nagar. “In Kalyani Nagar, footpaths have been blocked for months by water supply pipes. I’ve complained to the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), but little has changed. Who is accountable if someone gets hurt?” In response, a PMC official said, “We are actively removing the pipes and continue to act against footpath encroachments regularly.”
As one of Pune’s most visited public spaces turns into a symbol of civic apathy, residents are demanding immediate and sustained action—not just lip service—to preserve the city’s heritage and ensure public safety.
