Frustrated by years of systemic neglect, the residents of Wadgaon Sheri in Pune's Ward 5 have taken a decisive stand. They have released a comprehensive and hard-hitting charter of demands directed at the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), spotlighting the severe lack of basic infrastructure that has plagued the area since the last civic elections in 2017.
A Decade of Growth, Stagnant Civic Facilities
The charter paints a stark picture of a locality left behind. Despite a significant population surge over the past decade, with numerous new housing projects mushrooming and more under construction, essential civic amenities have completely failed to keep pace. The document lists poor waste management, contaminated water supply, incomplete sewage networks, unsafe roads, and missing footpaths as daily struggles.
Residents argue that Wadgaon Sheri has not received a fair share of development funds compared to neighbouring areas like Kalyaninagar, despite its higher population density. This neglect manifests in everyday challenges related to cleanliness, mobility, pedestrian safety, and unchecked encroachments.
Core Demands: From Waste to Water
Initiated by Mira Shah of the Clean Wadgaon Sheri Citizens' Group, the charter emphasizes that these are not demands for luxury but for long-overdue basic facilities. "Wadgaon Sheri grew rapidly, but civic facilities remained stagnant. This charter reflects what residents face daily and what needs immediate attention," Shah stated.
The demands are detailed and specific. On cleanliness, residents seek daily mechanised solid waste collection from all households, removal of chronic garbage spots, proper segregation facilities near schools, scientific disposal of hazardous waste, and a local resource recycling centre.
For water and sewage, the charter calls for a regular supply of clean water at adequate pressure, construction of additional overhead tanks to end tanker dependence, speedy completion of the Kharadi sewage treatment plant, and proper linkage of drainage lines to prevent untreated sewage from entering the river.
Mobility, Safety, and Political Accountability
Traffic congestion and poor infrastructure make daily commutes a nightmare. Key demands include completing long-pending road links to Kalyaninagar, widening bottleneck stretches, constructing a proper roundabout at key intersections, full-length road repairs, safer pedestrian crossings near schools, improved bus services, and removal of abandoned vehicles.
The document also stresses the need for walkable footpaths, free from encroachments and hazards, especially on routes used by schoolchildren and seniors. It seeks strict action against illegal hawkers alongside the creation of a planned hawkers' zone.
Rajan Batra, involved in the initiative, highlighted the ward's changing political clout. "With such a large and diverse electorate, candidates can no longer ignore Wadgaon Sheri's problems and expect support," he asserted. Another resident, Shyamal Basu, said the charter aims to ensure accountability post-election. "We want clear commitments from whoever gets elected, and we intend to follow up until these basic issues are resolved."
By presenting this collective charter to all candidates, the residents of Wadgaon Sheri have made it clear that tangible development and effective governance will be the central issues determining their votes in the upcoming PMC elections.
