Pune Civic News: New Corporator Raghavendra Bappu Mankar Keeps Promise, Starts Clean-Up in 24 Hours
Shukrawar Peth, 19th January 2026: Fulfilling his promise within just 24 hours, newly elected corporator Raghavendra Bappu Mankar has taken swift action to resolve the long-pending garbage and sanitation problem at the SRA project in Hirabag Housing Society.
Residents had raised serious concerns during the election campaign about garbage accumulating in the building ducts, leading to foul smell and a rise in mosquitoes. Mankar had assured them that the issue would be addressed on priority after the polls.
True to his word, Mankar visited the society on Monday to inspect the situation. As a permanent solution, it was decided to install protective mesh across the building ducts to prevent residents from dumping waste into them. Remarkably, work on installing the nets began within 24 hours of the decision, immediately after the Model Code of Conduct ended.
“This problem had become a health hazard due to repeated garbage dumping in the ducts. We are now closing all such openings with strong mesh so that waste cannot be thrown there again. I will personally monitor the work until the issue is completely resolved,” Mankar said.
The ducts had become major collection points for garbage, causing bad odour and mosquito breeding, despite repeated cleaning. To stop the problem at its source, nets will be installed on all nine floors of the building. More than 600 mesh panels are being fitted across the structure.
Before starting the installation, the entire duct area was thoroughly cleaned. Along with this, residents will be provided with dustbins and awareness will be created about proper segregation of wet and dry waste.
Thanking Mankar for acting quickly, the residents said his immediate response has brought much-needed relief. Members of Hirabag Society including Shankar Tavare, Sachin Mujumale, Sandeep Gaikwad, Santosh Watamkar, Pandurang Javalakar, Datta Ingle and several other residents were present during the inspection.
