After a prolonged hiatus of three years without elected representatives, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) is finally set to hold civic body elections on January 15. With the results scheduled for declaration on January 16, a total of 116 candidates are in the fray for 165 corporator seats. This electoral exercise is seen as crucial for unblocking major developmental projects stalled in the absence of a standing committee and for addressing chronic civic issues plaguing the city's residents.
The Pros and Cons of a Corporator-Less Era
The extended period without corporators presented a mixed bag for Pune. On one hand, residents in various wards learned to directly coordinate with the civic administration to get local issues resolved. On the other hand, the absence of a statutory standing committee meant larger projects, requiring budget scrutiny and oversight, were left in limbo, hampering the city's overall development.
Fundamental problems like erratic water supply, deteriorating air quality, incessant noise pollution, poorly maintained roads, and inefficient waste management have persistently undermined the quality of life for Punekars. While these issues have been raised repeatedly, tangible change on the ground has been minimal. The upcoming polls are viewed as a pivotal step towards clearing long-pending projects and initiating new ones tailored to ward-specific needs.
Ward-Wise Breakdown of Key Issues and Voter Concerns
The election battle is set across multiple wards, each grappling with its own unique set of challenges. Here’s a closer look at the major concerns in some key areas.
Kothrud-Bavdhan: Infrastructure Strain from Rampant Growth
The bustling suburbs of Kothrud and Bavdhan, served by the Vanaz Metro line and the Chandni Chowk intersection, have seen explosive construction and redevelopment. This has severely stressed existing infrastructure. The area, covering wards 10, 11, and 31 and electing 12 corporators, faces critical issues including severe traffic snarls at Kelewadi, Paud Road, and Chandni Chowk, a lack of pedestrian facilities, frequent power cuts demanding a new substation, and waterlogging during monsoons. Haphazard parking under Metro stations and overflowing sewage are added woes.
Residents like IT professional Makarand Shete from Bhusari Colony emphasize the need for increased police patrolling and traffic management during peak hours. Former scientist Jayalakshmi Iyer from Bavdhan highlights the menace of encroachment and footpath parking, which severely inconvenience senior citizens.
Shivajinagar-Ghole Road: Losing Charm to Construction Dust
Areas like Shivajinagar, Model Colony, Gokhalenagar, and Wakdewadi (wards 7 & 12, 8 corporators) are losing their old-world charm and greenery to relentless redevelopment and infrastructure projects. The bylanes are choked with construction dust, noise pollution, and traffic congestion at major junctions like Senapati Bapat Road and University Road. Encroachment, water tanker dependency, and the controversial proposed road through Vetal Tekdi are major flashpoints.
Resident Hema Chari points to the seven-year-long disruption from Metro work on Ganeshkhind Road and calls for better pedestrian facilities and waste management. Vikramsinh Mohite from Model Colony underscores the urgent need for a policy on balanced redevelopment to curb the constant dust and water shortages.
Aundh-Baner and Nagar Road: Cosmopolitan Hubs Grappling with Civic Basics
The mixed-use areas of Aundh, Baner, and Pashan (wards 8 & 9, 8 corporators) face chaos due to commercial growth in residential zones. Missing link roads, slow Metro work, encroachment, and terrible road conditions are top concerns. The threat to the Aundh Road Biodiversity Heritage Site from a proposed STP has alarmed citizens.
In the sprawling Nagar Road - Wadgaon Sheri belt (wards 3, 4, & 5, 12 corporators), which houses the airport and Kharadi IT park, problems are magnified. Key issues include a signal-free Nagar Road that is a pedestrian nightmare, heavy dependence on water tankers in Kharadi and Wagholi, missing drainage systems, and irregular garbage collection. Residents like Rajneesh Potey from Vimannagar stress the need for basic amenities—walkable footpaths, proper water supply, and waste management—before any beautification projects.
The Road Ahead for Pune's New Civic Leadership
The January 15 elections represent a critical juncture for Pune. The newly elected corporators will inherit a city caught between rapid, often unplanned development and a severe deficit in civic amenities and infrastructure. Their immediate mandate will be to revive the stalled democratic process within the PMC, expedite long-delayed projects, and most importantly, address the day-to-day grievances of residents related to water, waste, roads, and traffic. The voter sentiment across wards is clear: deliver on the basics first and ensure sustainable, ward-centric development that preserves the city's character while meeting its growing needs.
