Pune: Protest Erupts Against Delayed Road Work in Nande, Mahalunge; Citizens Demand Swift Action

Nande/Mahalunge, 23rd December 2023: Frustrated by the prolonged neglect and deterioration of the Nande – Mahalunge road, residents, party leaders, and villagers from Mulshi taluka gathered for a protest against the persisting pothole issue. The roadwork, which commenced in October after years of delay, has once again come to a halt after initial excavation.

This stall has inconvenienced the local citizens, especially those commuting on the main road adjacent to Hinjawadi IT city and the city itself. Travel has become increasingly challenging, prompting a demonstration against the Public Works Department (PWD) and the contractor responsible for the Nande-Mahalunge road. The protest took place at the main square in Nande.

During the protest, traffic came to a standstill for two hours in the main square. Despite years of follow-ups, local citizens expressed their frustration over the prolonged issue of the road. The discontent extended towards the concerned officers and contractors, with accusations of corruption in the project.

Vitthal Ranwade, the former deputy sarpanch of Nande village, alleged widespread corruption in the project, calling for the blacklisting of the contractor and the suspension of officials involved. The protest aimed to draw attention to the citizens’ grievances and demand swift action on the stalled roadwork.

Despite attempts to communicate with Public Works Department officials, none of their representatives were present to receive the citizens’ concerns during the protest. In response to the lack of accountability, the villagers issued a warning: if the roadwork is not completed by January 10, they threaten to block the office of the Public Works Department.

Prominent figures, including Balasaheb Chandere, Shankar Mandekar, Mahadev Kondhare, Sunil Chandere, Shantaram Ingwale, Rajabhau Hagwane, Baba Kandare, Prakash Bhegde, Gangaram Matere, Bhanudas Pansare, Dadaram Mandekar, Dagdukaka Karanjawane, Ram Gaikwad, and Nande Gramstha, participated in the protest organized in coordination with former Sarpanch Prashant Ranawade.

The demonstration underscored the urgent need for resolution and the importance of citizens’ voices in addressing civic concerns.