Residents living near the Wakdewadi State Transport (ST) bus stand are increasingly vocal about the severe inconvenience they face due to noise pollution, traffic congestion, and poor sanitation.
What was once a peaceful locality has now turned into a chaotic area, affecting both the physical and mental well-being of the community.For the past six years, the Shivajinagar ST bus stand has been temporarily relocated to Wakdewadi for renovations, but it has yet to be shifted back to its original location. This delay has led to an exponential rise in issues such as excessive noise from loudspeaker announcements, illegal parking, and an overwhelming influx of vehicles, particularly during peak hours. These challenges, compounded by the lack of proper waste management and makeshift food stalls, have left the residents feeling neglected by local authorities.The ST bus stand operates about 700 buses daily, serving a passenger base of more than 15,000 people.
In an attempt to manage the crowd, the bus stand administration uses loudspeakers to make frequent announcements throughout the day and night. However, these announcements, which often continue well into the night, disturb the sleep patterns of local residents, including students, senior citizens, and others who rely on rest for their daily functioning.Despite repeated complaints to the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), the ST bus stand administration, and the police, little has been done to alleviate the situation. Many locals recall how, just a few years ago, the area was serene and peaceful, surrounded by greenery. However, the once quiet neighbourhood has been transformed by the continuous blaring of announcements and the constant noise from passing vehicles. The relentless disruption makes it difficult for residents to enjoy a restful environment, with the situation worsening as the day progresses into the night.
In addition to the noise, residents are also grappling with worsening traffic congestion. The stretch leading to the bus stand, including key areas from the Reshim Udyog Kendra to the Bajaj showroom, has become a hotspot for illegal parking. While two-wheeler vehicles are occasionally towed away, four-wheelers continue to obstruct traffic flow without consequences. The encroachment of private buses in these areas further exacerbates the parking crisis, making it increasingly difficult for people to navigate the already narrow roads.Residents are also voicing concerns over the unsanitary conditions surrounding the bus stand. Makeshift food stalls have mushroomed, and waste management has been inadequate. The lack of cleanliness around the premises contributes to an overall decline in the area’s livability. Locals say that their complaints regarding garbage disposal and poor sanitation have been largely ignored.
In response to these mounting concerns, officials have promised to take action. The bus stand authorities have assured residents that they will take measures to reduce the volume of the loudspeaker announcements, particularly during the night, in order to minimise the impact on residents. Additionally, discussions with the traffic police have been initiated to implement measures aimed at easing congestion around the bus stand area. While these promises bring some relief, many are sceptical, as previous attempts at resolving these issues have proven unsuccessful.The ongoing challenges faced by residents of Wakdewadi raise important questions about urban planning and the need for a more sustainable and people-friendly approach to development. The delay in relocating the bus stand, coupled with the growing traffic problems, points to the larger issue of infrastructure planning in rapidly developing urban areas.
The lack of effective action by local authorities to address these pressing concerns has left residents frustrated and exhausted, with no clear timeline for when they can expect a significant improvement in their quality of life.For residents, the situation has become increasingly intolerable. The desire for a peaceful, clean, and well-maintained neighbourhood, once a hallmark of the area, is now overshadowed by the chaos and noise that dominate the space. Local authorities now face mounting pressure to not only resolve the current issues but also rethink urban planning strategies to ensure that future developments are sustainable and considerate of residents’ well-being
