Pune: Residents of Mohamadwadi and Undri Protest PMC’s Neglect of Civic Amenities

Pune, 21st October 2024: Frustrated by years of inaction, more than 100 residents from the Mohamadwadi and Undri areas gathered to protest against the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), demanding urgent attention to their long-standing civic issues. Despite Mohamadwadi becoming part of the PMC in 1997 and Undri following suit in 2017, locals claim that essential infrastructure development has been sorely lacking.

The protest, held at the Nyati Serenity Enclave in Undri, saw residents voicing their grievances over the inadequate provision of basic services such as water supply, drainage, and proper roads. In addition, the absence of parks and recreational spaces has further compounded their frustration.

“We’ve been paying hefty property taxes, but in return, we’re getting little to no improvement in our living conditions,” said one of the protesters. “For years, we’ve been deprived of even the most basic amenities that other parts of the city take for granted.”

Another resident added, “When Undri was merged into the PMC, we expected some progress in terms of infrastructure, but there’s been little to no difference. It feels like we’re being ignored, despite paying the same taxes as everyone else.”

The demonstrators also called for a reduction in property taxes until the promised improvements are made, arguing that the current conditions do not justify the high tax rates they are being charged.

“Our areas were brought under the PMC years ago, but the promised development never came. It’s unfair to expect us to continue paying for services we don’t receive,” said a frustrated local.

The protest aimed to press the PMC into taking immediate steps to address the concerns of these communities, particularly in improving basic infrastructure that has remained stagnant for years despite significant tax contributions from the residents.