Pune – Protest in Baner Over Pothole Crisis: Citizens Demand Action from Municipal Corporation

Baner, 4th August 2024: Former corporator Amol Balwadkar, alongside residents from Baner, Balewadi, Sus, Mahalunge, and Pashan, protested against the municipal administration on a rainy day, voicing their frustrations over persistent road issues. Despite the heavy rain, over a hundred citizens gathered at Radha Chowk, Baner, demanding immediate action to address potholes, appoint wardens, and improve traffic management.

For nearly two years, residents in these areas have suffered from severe traffic jams, pothole-ridden roads, and unfinished alternative routes. The constant traffic delays have taken a toll on the physical and mental health of the community. With repeated complaints to the administration going unaddressed, the citizens, led by Balwadkar, resorted to a protest involving a bullock cart and chanting slogans against the administration in the pouring rain. Representatives from various local societies, including women and citizens, were present to voice their grievances.

During the protest, the administration did not send any competent officers to accept the statement, prompting the protesters to burn the statement in frustration. After police mediation, the protest was suspended.

Demands of the Agitators:
– Immediate repair of pothole-ridden roads in the area.
– Appointment of traffic wardens.
– Activation of the signal system and installation of barricades.
– Construction of a new underpass near the Mumbai-Bangalore Highway and improvement of the service road.
– Expedited completion of the Balewadi-Wakad Road.
– Improvement of Mahalunge-Nande Road.

The protest highlighted the urgency of the situation, urging the municipal administration to take swift action to alleviate the ongoing issues faced by the residents of Baner, Balewadi, Sus, Mahalunge, and Pashan.