A 69-year-old man died after falling into a 10-to-15-foot excavation for a drainage line in Pune’s Yerawada area, bringing renewed attention to safety arrangements at active civic infrastructure works. The incident occurred near the Shila Salve vegetable market at Chitra Chowk, where a 900-mm drainage line has reportedly been under construction for around two and a half months.
The deceased was identified as Pradeep Laxman Pardeshi, a resident of Rajaram Nagar in Kharadi. According to the report, Pardeshi was returning towards the vegetable market after finishing work at his shop at around 11 pm on October 17 when he was hit by an oncoming autorickshaw. He lost his balance and fell into the excavation alongside the road.
Local residents have alleged that the pit did not have strong barricading and was protected only by temporary plastic barricades. The ongoing excavation, along with encroachments on the road, is reported to have reduced the space available for traffic and pedestrians. The presence of electricity poles obstructing movement has also been raised as a concern.
Pardeshi was first taken to Rajiv Gandhi Hospital in Yerawada after suffering serious injuries. Doctors found a severe spinal fracture during further examination, after which he was shifted to Kivlekar Hospital. He died during treatment at about 4.15 am on October 18 because of internal bleeding, according to the report.
Pardeshi operated an ironing business near Suryavanshi Tower in the Yerawada area. He is survived by his wife, his 95-year-old mother, three daughters and a son.
The death has prompted anger among local residents and the family, who have sought an inquiry into whether adequate safety measures were in place around the excavation. Their concerns include the strength of the barricades, the availability of warning signs and whether a safe passage had been provided for pedestrians and vehicles.
Municipal councillor Avinash Salve alleged that the administration had repeatedly been informed about road encroachments and electricity poles obstructing traffic, but that action had not been taken. The allegation has not been independently established in the supplied report.
The deceased’s relatives approached the Lakshminagar police station and demanded that a case be registered against the contractor allegedly responsible for the accident and the officials concerned. They have also sought strict action. Police are investigating the incident.
The case places the immediate focus on how excavation sites are secured while drainage and other utility projects continue in built-up neighbourhoods. Strong physical barriers, visible warning boards and an uninterrupted, protected route for pedestrians are among the safety measures whose presence at the site is now being questioned. Further action will depend on the police investigation and any inquiry by the municipal administration into the contractor’s and officials’ responsibilities.
