Residents of Wadgaon Sheri in Pune are anxiously awaiting the monsoon season as the storm water drainage project from the nullah opposite Arnold School to Rahul Wadewale near CSM Udyan remains only half-completed. Launched last year with promises of finishing before Diwali 2025, the project is now expected to cause significant problems once the rains arrive.
Project Progress and Delays
Local residents report that only 50% to 60% of the project has been finished. The work has dragged on, severely disrupting traffic movement, increasing accident risks, and causing daily inconvenience, particularly near Nyati Meadows and the Labour Camp Road. The project began around April-May 2025, but progress has been repeatedly hindered due to various reasons, including an alleged shortage of funds during the absence of an elected civic body, local issues, and the recent strike at RMC plants.
Residents' Concerns
“Last monsoon itself was a nightmare. The roads had become slippery and dangerous because of the digging and constant movement of RMC-carrying vehicles. We are staring at the same situation again this year,” said a resident of Nyati Meadows. A commuter who uses the stretch daily noted that the incomplete work has become a major traffic bottleneck. “The narrowed road and diversions have made travel unpredictable. During peak hours, vehicles pile up and pedestrians are forced to walk dangerously close to construction zones,” he said.
Official Visits and Temporary Measures
Three months ago, following repeated complaints, PMC drainage department officials, including the executive engineer and the junior engineer, visited the spot. Thereafter, the road near Nyati Meadows was completed in haste, and a diversion route was created for Labour Camp Road traffic to allow work to move ahead. However, residents claim the pace has slowed down considerably since then. “The Nyati Meadows entry gate has been closed for nearly three months, inconveniencing residents, visitors, and emergency vehicles,” said Rajan Viswanathan, a resident and member of the Clean Wadgaonsheri group.
Communication with Authorities
Residents pursuing the matter contacted chief engineer Jagdish Khanore, who directed them to superintending engineer Rohidas Gavane. The matter was then referred back to the drainage department officials. Residents were told that material shortage was delaying progress. Additionally, officials reportedly cited the recent RMC plant strike as another reason for slow works, adding that contractors had been instructed to speed up operations after the strike was called off. Despite these assurances, people allege that little activity is visible at the site.
Monsoon Preparedness
With the monsoon expected to arrive, locals fear the incomplete project could lead to severe traffic congestion and unsafe road conditions similar to last year or worse. “Every year, we are told to cooperate in the name of infrastructure development. However, projects cannot continue endlessly with no accountability on deadlines,” said a senior citizen of the area.
PMC Response
PMC drainage department official Kailash Karale stated, “There was concrete shortage a few days ago due to the strike of RMC plants. Now that it is over and supply has resumed, we will direct the contractors to expedite the work.” Residents have demanded that the work be completed on a war footing and, at least, the critical stretches be finished before heavy rains begin.
