Pune: Shiv Sena workers of the Pune unit staged a protest at the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) headquarters on Monday against the inferior quality of pre-monsoon works and waterlogging following recent showers.
Allegations of Mismanagement
The protestors alleged that the situation had exposed the PMC’s mismanagement and failure to complete infrastructure work on time. “Contracts worth crores were awarded for nullah cleaning, but the situation on the ground has not improved. The administration should explain why the city continues to face waterlogging,” said Sena leader Nana Bhangire.
Civic Officials Respond
Civic officials, however, said repairs and nullah-cleaning works are currently underway. A senior PMC official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, stated, “Ward-wise works are being carried out, and the PMC is strictly following the timetable to complete the pre-monsoon works.” According to the official, around 70% of the work across the city has been completed.
Health Concerns Raised
Party workers also claimed that the civic administration had failed to make adequate efforts to remove hyacinth from water bodies across the city, leading to health concerns. They said mosquito breeding had increased because of the unchecked growth, resulting in a rise in vector-borne diseases in areas surrounding the water bodies.
Symbolic Protest
As part of the protest, the agitators brought a boat to symbolically highlight the waterlogging issue and attempted to barge into the civic headquarters, but were stopped by security guards.
