Once celebrated for its tranquil, tree-lined neighborhoods, Pune is witnessing a dramatic erosion of its peaceful character. The dream of a serene life in the city is fading fast for many residents as the clear boundaries between residential and commercial zones collapse. Streets once known for their quiet are now buzzing with late-night revelry, loud music, and traffic chaos, pushing locals to their limits.
Residents Take Fight to Authorities, Demand Zoning Law Enforcement
People living in popular party hubs such as Kalyaninagar, Vimannagar, Balewadi, Deccan, Kharadi, and Baner report spending increasing time at police stations and ward offices, armed with complaints but seeing little resolution. They describe a deteriorating quality of life marked by compromised safety, heightened pollution, crumbling civic infrastructure, and perpetual traffic jams. This troubling reality, they stress, now affects both old established areas and upcoming neighborhoods equally.
In Kalyaninagar, residents allege years of warnings about the unchecked spread of pubs and rooftop bars within their residential zone have gone unheeded. Despite zoning laws designed to separate residential and commercial activities, permissions continue to be granted for such establishments to operate inside housing complexes and on narrow internal roads.
Yasmin Charania, a Kalyaninagar resident, pointed out that while police have been consistent with timing checks and drink-driving raids post the May 2024 Porsche incident, the core issue lies with the civic and excise departments. "The real concern lies with the civic body and excise department, whose flawed licensing practices and lack of enforcement allow violations to flourish," she stated.
In August 2025, a joint committee chaired by the DCP (Zone IV) was formed to monitor these concerns, including members from the district collectorate, PMC, excise, traffic police, and residents. Monica Sharma, a long-time resident, called Kalyaninagar a "test case for urban governance." She emphasized that residents are not anti-business but oppose pubs in residential zones already strained for basic amenities. She cited a media report indicating the PMC collected a mere Rs 22.75 lakh as additional property tax from 151 such establishments, asking, "PMC has sold off our peace, quiet and safety for a meagre sum." Residents have now sought a meeting with CM Devendra Fadnavis and MP Medha Kulkarni to demand concrete action.
Civic Infrastructure Buckles Under Commercial Onslaught
The transformation of residential spaces into commercial hubs is crippling local infrastructure. On Prabhat Road and in Kalyaninagar, old bungalows have become eateries, while in Vimannagar, Baner, and Balewadi, large buildings house commercial establishments. This shift places unbearable stress on water supply and parking, originally designed for a handful of residents but now forced to serve hundreds of daily patrons.
Anita Hanumante, a Vimannagar resident, highlighted the severe degradation. "The neighbourhood has deteriorated in terms of parking space, water supply, cleanliness, and law and order," she said, adding that open liquor consumption in narrow lanes and brawls at odd hours have destroyed the area's former quality of life. Frustrated residents have written to the police and PMC commissioner and plan protests if the situation doesn't improve.
In Baner, resident Sarang Wable described an "obstacle course" of vehicles, with valets from bars and eateries parking even on footpaths at night. He cited scant police patrolling as a reason for the lawlessness. Beyond traffic, Wable raised a grave safety concern: "We are certain drugs are supplied frequently in the neighbourhood." He recounted how residents fear approaching intoxicated people in cars, facing ridicule or abuse.
Experts Decry Loss of Pune's Soul, Officials Promise Action
Urban planner Aneeta Gokhale-Benninger lamented the loss of area-specific character. She noted that while ground-floor shops in residential buildings serve community needs, the current trend is destructive. Using Deccan as an example, she asked where the essential bookshops and cafes for residents and students have gone, replaced by intrusive nightlife.
She blamed the PMC for being "woefully unaware of the culture every ward has to present" and prioritizing revenue over citizen well-being. "Endless traffic, erratic water supply, unregulated encroachments and rising crime are factors that point towards a deteriorating standard of living," she concluded.
When approached for comments, officials acknowledged the problems. PMC Commissioner Naval Kishore Ram admitted to issues with ward maintenance and stated they are working on a survey with the collector's office to understand the situation better. Pune Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar claimed the situation is better than a year ago due to strict action and coordination with PMC on building permissions. Excise Superintendent Atul Kanade said a committee headed by the collector decides on licenses and that they act on noise complaints, coordinating with other departments to minimize public inconvenience.
