Pune: Dhanori-Lohgaon Residents Protest Again Over Crumbling Roads, Drainage Woes

Lohgaon, 30th June 2025: Fed up with what they describe as repeated negligence by the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), residents of Dhanori and Lohgaon staged a renewed protest on Monday morning at Bharat Mata Road. Their primary demands: urgent repairs to damaged roads and resolution of persistent drainage issues that have made daily life difficult.

The demonstration, led by the Dhanori-Lohgaon Residents Association, drew dozens of locals who held up placards and shouted slogans, urging the civic body to take swift and visible action. The protesters pointed to the deteriorating condition of Bharat Mata Road — riddled with potholes and poor drainage — as a glaring symbol of PMC’s inaction.

“This road is no longer safe for anyone. Children going to school, senior citizens walking in the morning, or even ambulances — everyone is at risk,” said Anjali Kulkarni, a resident who joined the protest. “We’ve complained so many times, but nothing moves unless we hit the streets.”

This protest follows a similar demonstration just two weeks ago, when over 200 residents gathered outside the PMC headquarters, demanding solutions to ongoing problems like road repairs, sewage blockages, and erratic water supply. At that time, a delegation from the association had also met with the Municipal Commissioner, who assured them that action would be taken.
However, with no work initiated since the meeting, locals say their patience has worn thin. “We trusted their word, but absolutely no progress has been made. We’re left with broken promises and broken roads,” said Suresh More, another association member.

The protesters are now demanding a time-bound plan from the PMC to address road repairs, complete pending drainage work, and restore essential civic infrastructure. They have also warned that if their concerns continue to be ignored, they will escalate their agitation in the coming weeks.

“Residents of these areas contribute to the city’s revenue like everyone else, yet we are treated like we don’t matter,” added Kulkarni. “We’re not asking for luxuries — just basic infrastructure and dignity.”