The upcoming municipal elections in Pimpri Chinchwad are poised to be a critical juncture for the twin cities' development trajectory. The choice of corporators will shape the next five years, influencing essential civic services, environmental protection, and the overall quality of life for residents. While local priorities vary, a set of common grievances—ranging from severe pollution to inadequate basic amenities—echo across the wards under the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC).
Ward-Wise Breakdown of Pressing Civic Challenges
An analysis of key wards reveals a pattern of unmet promises and systemic failures. Residents are vocal about their struggles, which they hope the new civic body will address with urgency and efficiency.
Ward E: Industrial Belt Grapples with Stench and Stagnation
Encompassing areas along the Pune-Nashik highway like Bhosari, Dighi, Bopkhel, and Moshi, this ward is a mix of old settlements and migrant populations working in nearby industrial zones. It houses the city's sole waste depot in Moshi, a perennial source of foul odor affecting nearby localities. Other significant issues include:
- Poor drainage leading to monsoon flooding, especially in Dighi.
- Frequent power cuts and low-pressure water supply.
- Incomplete road construction and generally poor road conditions.
- Illegal waste dumping and rising street crime.
Residents like Vaibhav Tapkir from Charholi point out that faulty drainage lines discharge untreated wastewater directly into the Indrayani river, contaminating water supplies. Santosh Walke from Dighi laments the lack of a secondary government school and unfulfilled civic projects despite decades of tax payments.
Ward F: Red Zone Restrictions Cripple Development
This ward, home to the Talawade industrial hub and areas like Chikhali and Nigdi, faces unique challenges due to its proximity to the Dehu Road Ordnance depot. Numerous properties fall under the no-construction 'red zone', rendering them illegal and stifling development. Key concerns are:
- Absence of basic amenities like schools and hospitals as land is in restricted zones.
- Severe, decade-long waterlogging in the massive Gharkul Project under PMAY.
- Poor drainage networks and illegal parking causing congestion.
- Complaints of unclean water supply.
Ashok Magar, a resident and president of the Gharkul Federation, demands a permanent solution to waterlogging and the promised amenities. Shrinivas Biradar from Talawade highlights the injustice of paying taxes without receiving basic facilities due to red zone restrictions.
Ward G: River Pollution and Waste Management Woes
Areas like Thergaon, Rahatni, and Indiranagar, located along the Pavana river, face environmental and civic headaches. The Pavana river, a key drinking water source, is heavily polluted, with toxic foam spotted near the Kejubai bund in Thergaon. Other issues include:
- Mosquito menace and health risks from water hyacinth.
- Pending ownership transfer for properties on lease from PCNTDA.
- Insufficient waste collection vehicles leading to irregular schedules and open dumping.
- Old drainage lines causing waterlogging.
Rahul Sarwade from Thergaon emphasizes the health risks from river pollution, while Uday Sabde from Rahatani cites erratic water supply, garbage collection, and traffic chaos as major problems.
Ward H: Green Cover Loss and Infrastructure Strain
Covering areas like Sangvi, Kasarwadi, and Dapodi, this ward hosts major institutions like DY Patil University. The ongoing Riverfront Development (RFD) project has sparked protests over the potential loss of green cover. Residents are also concerned about:
- Threat of demolition for properties near the Pavana river's blue flood line.
- Inadequate public toilets and mosquito proliferation in the Mula river.
- Deteriorating law and order with rising street crime.
- Illegal constructions and traffic snarls, notably at railway crossings.
Sumedh Arun from Kasarwadi identifies the railway crossing traffic and encroachments as critical issues. Ganesh Kasar from Sangvi highlights poor water supply pressure and haphazard parking clogging lanes.
The Election Imperative: A Vote for Civic Revival
The collective voice from across Pimpri Chinchwad's wards paints a clear picture: residents are tired of neglect and demand actionable solutions. The election is not merely an administrative exercise but a referendum on fundamental issues—clean air and water, functional drainage, reliable electricity, and safe public spaces. The incoming corporators will bear the responsibility of translating these widespread grievances into concrete development plans, ensuring that the twin cities' growth is sustainable, inclusive, and responsive to the people's immediate needs and long-term environmental health.
