Pune: The problem of choked drainage lines overflowing in some areas of Gultekdi Market Yard has persisted for weeks after joint site visits were conducted by Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) and Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC) officials at the end of last month. Although a plan was finalized in April to lay a new pipeline to address this recurring issue, construction work has yet to commence. It is now unlikely that the project will be completed before the monsoon season begins around June.
Impact on daily operations and health
Gultekdi Market Yard, one of Maharashtra's largest wholesale markets, sees hundreds of visitors daily, along with farmers from across the state bringing their produce for sale. Traders have long expressed frustration over inadequate infrastructure, including poor sanitation facilities, overflowing drains, and the absence of regular cleaning and sweeping by the civic administration. Drain water has been flowing onto internal roads in the wholesale grains and vegetable-fruit market area, disrupting the loading and unloading of goods, posing health risks, and encouraging mosquito breeding. The issue was raised by local traders in April, prompting site visits by authorities.
Authorities respond
Santosh Nangare, one of the directors of the APMC, said, "It is sad that the work has not even started yet to resolve the drainage issue. We have learnt that PMC is expected to sanction funds for the work in the next few days, and a proposal has been initiated. But we still do not know when the work will begin. We are following up on the issue with PMC." As a short-term measure, PMC has been conducting regular cleaning of drainage lines, but frequent visitors say it is not helping much. They demand a permanent solution for better hygiene at the iconic wholesale market.
Vijay Shinde, a local trader, emphasized the need for coordination between APMC and PMC. "We are ready to offer all necessary support to the authorities, but the administration should take up regular maintenance on priority," he said. When TOI reached out to an official from PMC's drainage department, he said, "Funds will be allocated for the drainage line. The proposal is in the process of getting the required approval. Our teams are cleaning the drainage lines on a regular basis until a new one is laid. Some old drainage lines around the Market Yard area have been replaced in the last few months."
Author Bio
Sarang Dastane is a senior correspondent at The Times of India, Pune. He covers government offices, the railways, the Regional Transport Office, the district collectorate, and state transport. His hobbies include trekking and outdoor activities, and he is also a social worker.
