With the Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad municipal corporations elections scheduled for January 15, professionals from the city's crucial information technology sector have raised their collective voice. They are demanding urgent civic improvements, focusing on world-class infrastructure and a decisive respite from escalating pollution.
Broken Roads, Traffic Chaos, and Safety Concerns Top List
The demands put forth by the tech workforce highlight a daily struggle with neglected civic amenities. Key issues include broken roads, severe traffic congestion, unreliable public transport, frequent power failures, and overall unsafe conditions. They are advocating for dedicated traffic planning, the creation of green zones, and a shift towards sustainable urban development.
Software engineers working in the bustling Hinjewadi IT park pointed to a critical lack of police presence at major junctions. This absence, they say, leads to rampant traffic rule violations like signal jumping and wrong-side driving, turning the daily commute into an anxiety-ridden experience. Manish Ganeshwani, a software engineer, expressed frustration, stating, "A lot was talked about Hinjewadi in the last few months, yet the traffic situation has been worsening day by day. Authorities did not seem to be concerned even after so many accidents."
Another professional, Manali Kshirsagar, highlighted the peril for two-wheeler riders when heavy vehicles occupy both lanes on the same side of the road. Residents in areas like Wakad and Hinjewadi also flagged the non-functional street lights as a major safety hazard for pedestrians and riders alike. Sagar Joshi, a Hinjewadi-based engineer, specifically mentioned that roads in Kemse Wasti, Bhumkar Nagar, and Wakad have remained dark for days, increasing risks near busy chowks.
Missing Footpaths and Rampant Pollution Add to Woes
The infrastructure deficit extends to basic pedestrian facilities. Prashant Pandit, a techie, emphasized the lack of footpaths in Hinjewadi, questioning how commuters would safely access the under-construction metro stations. "The govt was constructing metro lines in the IT park, but if there were no footpaths, commuters would need to walk on the road," he told TOI. He suggested a study on accident fatalities linked to this absence.
Furthermore, large-scale construction projects in the IT park have become significant sources of noise and air pollution. Tech professionals reported that ready-mix concrete (RMC) units operate during odd hours without containing dust, spreading it onto streets and exceeding permissible noise limits. Virendra Gupta, a software engineer, confirmed that while the issue was raised with authorities, tangible action remains pending.
Beyond Infrastructure: Job Security and Mental Health
The professionals' concerns are not limited to physical infrastructure. Pandit also called for government intervention regarding arbitrary layoffs within the IT sector. He noted that many employees face extreme work pressure, hectic schedules, and the increasing use of performance improvement plans (PIPs). Despite these pressures, the biggest fear for IT employees now was job losses, which severely impacts mental health and overall wellbeing.
As the election date approaches, the IT community's charter for change presents a clear mandate for the incoming civic bodies. Their demands underscore the need for holistic development that prioritizes safety, sustainability, and the quality of life for the professionals driving Pune's economic engine.
