More than 7,000 families living in high-rise societies in Pune’s NIBM Annexe have asked the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) to convert an open plot near Elina Living Society into a public park with a walking and jogging track, citing safety, garbage and public nuisance concerns.
Residents of Elina Living Society, Raheja Sterling, Maple Tower, Orient Hill View, Elina and neighbouring societies submitted a representation to PMC Commissioner Naval Kishore Ram on September 17. They said the rapidly developing neighbourhood lacks an adequate public recreational space despite several surrounding buildings having more than 20 floors.
According to the representation, residents, including senior citizens and people exercising in the morning and evening, are forced to use busy roads for walking, jogging and other physical activities. They said this exposes pedestrians to traffic and potential accident risks.
Residents have also alleged that the open plot has gradually become an unofficial dumping ground. They said garbage and waste are frequently left behind after commercial or community events, creating unhygienic conditions for nearby residents. The representation said residents have repeatedly undertaken voluntary clean-up efforts and restored damaged plants and trees.
The residents have identified more than 250 native trees on the plot and have asked that these be protected as part of any future development. They said people from neighbouring societies have been caring for the trees and maintaining the site despite the absence of a formal public facility.
Safety concerns have also been raised over the neglected condition of the plot, particularly during evening and night hours. Residents alleged that anti-social activities have increased around the site and said women and senior citizens feel vulnerable in the area. They have argued that a formally developed park with a walking and jogging track could provide a designated space for exercise while improving the cleanliness and safety of the surroundings.
Separately, Elina Living A & B Wing Co-operative Housing Society Limited approached the Pune Police Commissioner on September 17 over what it described as recurring public nuisance caused by commercial activities on the plot adjoining the society in Mohammadwadi, Taluka Haveli, Pune district.
The society’s representation referred to two prolonged events or activities held between February 18 and March 20, 2026, and between June 17 and June 26, 2026. Residents alleged that loudspeakers, amplified music, large gatherings, vehicle movement and other event-related commercial activities caused continuous disturbance. They said the impact was particularly severe for children, senior citizens and other residents, with disruption lasting several days and, on one occasion, almost a month.
The residents also alleged that the events led to garbage accumulation, heavier traffic and increased crowd movement around the society. While acknowledging the role of religious, cultural and social celebrations in community life, they told the police that the plot’s immediate proximity to residential buildings made it unsuitable for commercial events, large gatherings and prolonged functions.
They have requested police intervention to prevent future commercial events and large-scale activities on the plot and asked that local authorities be informed. Their representation to the PMC seeks coordination with the concerned agencies to officially designate and develop the site as a public park, while preventing its continued use as an event space or dumping ground.
The residents have urged the PMC and police authorities to take necessary action on the proposed park, protection of existing trees, sanitation, traffic, noise and public safety concerns.
