Pune: Illegal Auto Rickshaw Stands Mar Kalyani Nagar’s Charm; Residents Raise Concerns

Anaum Shaikh

Kalyani Nagar, 31st October 2023: The proliferation of illegal auto rickshaw stand boards, some bearing the names of influential figures, has brought chaos to this otherwise well-organized and modern neighborhood in Kalyani Nagar.

The boards, in direct violation of Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) regulations, have sparked concerns among residents, threatening the area’s aesthetics, traffic flow, and the fundamental tenet of the rule of law.

The distinctive blue insignia of the PMC marks the only legally sanctioned auto rickshaw stand boards, strategically placed to ensure an orderly flow of traffic and pedestrians. However, an alarming number of unauthorized boards, prominently displaying the names of politicians, have emerged, causing a myriad of problems.

The adverse effects of these unauthorized boards are multifaceted. Firstly, they disrupt Kalyani Nagar’s meticulously planned modern aesthetic, creating a cluttered and disorderly streetscape. Secondly, they contribute to traffic congestion and disruptions. Auto rickshaws, parked indiscriminately around these unauthorized stands, impede the smooth flow of vehicles, transforming the once-orderly roads into a chaotic jumble of frustrated commuters.

Moreover, the presence of these boards challenges the core principle of equality before the law. Their installation implies a loophole in established regulations, suggesting that influential individuals can bypass legal protocols, setting an improper precedent.

Despite the lower demand, unregulated stands lead to an excess of auto rickshaws parked in anticipation of passengers. Haresh Bharwani, a resident, said, “The illegal parking of these stands causes a loss of parking space for residents visiting the market. PMC should use their official sign board at the Rickshaw Parking Stand and increase organized Auto Rickshaw parking places in Kalyani Nagar. The Traffic Department should also penalize if an Auto is not parked in the designated rickshaw stand in line with vehicles parked in the No Parking Zone.”

Rachna Aggarwal, Chairperson of Team Swachh Kalyani Nagar (TSKN), said, “There aren’t many PMC authorized Rickshaw stands in Kalyani Nagar, but many illegal stands that cause parking and traffic problems. They have even started a servant pick-and-drop service which has caused additional traffic outside the shops. Sometimes these rickshaw stands note the entry and exit timing of customers visiting the shops and pass comments as well. We hope PMC takes down the unauthorized stands and allot designated spots and put an end to this ruckus.”

Yogesh Mullik, ex-corporater, said, “We haven’t officially installed any rickshaw stand boards, even if we do we make sure they are authorized. I urge party workers not to install illegal stands in our name. We don’t support this. We encourage PMC to take down these stands. I also urge the residents to directly call me with their grievances.”

When Punekar News brought up this issue with Hasham Patel, the anti-encroachment officer of PMC, he said, “I will take this up with my seniors to check the legitimacy of these stands. If found illegal, we will have them removed.”