As the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) elections draw near, the residents of Vimannagar have taken a decisive stand. They have released a comprehensive citizens' charter, clearly stating that their electoral support will be contingent on measurable delivery of civic promises, not just campaign rhetoric.
Key Demands: From Encroachments to Water Woes
The document, titled "Our Vote, Our City, Our Conditions," encapsulates long-standing grievances. Residents are demanding written commitments with clear timelines from all candidates contesting the polls. A primary focus is the immediate removal of footpath encroachments and unauthorized shop extensions across Vimannagar.
Anita Hanumante, a resident, emphasized that footpaths must be restored for pedestrians and not used as commercial or political spaces. "Encroachments are a major law-and-order and safety concern in the area. We have sought strict action against public consumption of liquor and stronger enforcement," she stated.
Assured and equitable daily water supply for all households is another critical demand. The charter calls for filtration plants to ensure safe drinking water and mandates the use of Sewage Treatment Plant (STP)-treated water for gardens and other non-potable purposes to conserve potable water.
Noise, Waste, and the Perennial Problem of Road Digging
Noise pollution enforcement features prominently. Residents seek 24/7 monitoring in residential areas, strict police action at night, and the immediate installation of noise-measuring devices using already sanctioned funds.
Accountability in waste management is also sought. Surendra Desai, another resident, highlighted demands for "policy-driven introduction of sanitary waste incinerators, transparent biomedical waste collection systems, and functional wet-waste composting plants."
A major point of contention is the frequent and disruptive digging of roads for fibre optic cable work. Sandeep Singh, chairman of Konarknagar Co-operative Housing Society, criticized the "dig-and-disappear" execution. The charter demands a binding citywide policy for such work, time-bound restoration of roads and footpaths, and penal action against contractors and officials for lapses.
Governance, Not Neglect: The Core Message
The charter also addresses public walkability, demanding urgent repairs to damaged footpaths and a ban on illegal flex banners and pandals on roads that cause traffic disruptions. Unchecked cab parking and gaps in garbage management were flagged as daily irritants.
Anagha Dhara pointed out the issue of selective enforcement, stating, "What we see instead is selective enforcement and repeated violations with no consequences."
Residents have made it clear that they expect tangible returns for their contribution to the city's coffers. "Vimannagar contributes significantly to the city's revenue. In return, residents demand governance, safety, infrastructure, and dignity — not neglect," asserted Anita Hanumante.
The charter will be formally presented to candidates during the 'Know Your Candidate' (KYC) campaign in Vimannagar, setting a new benchmark for citizen-led accountability in local elections.
