Mohammadwadi: Ten Days On, Overflowing Sewage Remains Unchecked; Residents Say PMC ‘Absent’ Despite Repeated Complaints
Reported by Shoaib Tadvi
Mohammadwadi, 7th August 2026: A blocked drainage chamber near Golden Bakery, opposite Ganga Kingston Society in NIBM Annexe, Mohammadwadi, has continued to overflow for ten consecutive days, with foul-smelling sewage flowing onto the road and triggering growing concerns over public health and civic negligence.
The overflowing sewage has spread across the busy commercial stretch, forcing pedestrians, motorists, nearby residents and customers visiting local businesses to endure an unbearable stench. The stagnant wastewater has also raised fears of mosquito breeding and the spread of water-borne diseases during the ongoing monsoon season.
Residents alleged that despite repeated complaints, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has failed to clear the blockage or provide a permanent solution. They claimed that the prolonged inaction has become symbolic of the broader civic neglect faced by Mohammadwadi and NIBM Annexe.
Many residents expressed frustration over what they described as the PMC’s continued failure to provide basic civic services despite collecting substantial property taxes every year. According to them, drainage maintenance, road repairs, sanitation and public hygiene continue to remain neglected, while complaints often go unanswered for weeks.
Residents further alleged that recurring issues such as overflowing drains, leaking sewer lines, dug-up roads and illegal dumping have become common across the area. They demanded an independent inquiry into the functioning of the concerned civic departments, alleging corruption, negligence and a lack of accountability in the execution and supervision of public works. They also called for strict action against any officials or contractors found responsible for lapses.
Social worker Jaymala Dhankikar described the situation as a public health emergency.
“This is not merely a blocked drainage chamber but a public health emergency. Citizens pay taxes expecting basic civic services, yet they are forced to live with overflowing sewage for days. The PMC must fix responsibility on the officials and contractors who have failed in their duties,” she said.
Local businessman Mahesh Chavan, who owns a flour mill in the area, said the overflowing sewage has directly affected his business.
“People visit our flour mill every day to grind wheat and other grains. Instead of a clean environment, they are greeted by the unbearable stench of sewage. Many customers complain about the unhygienic conditions. This is unacceptable for a locality that contributes significant tax revenue,” he said.
Residents also voiced similar concerns over the prolonged civic failure.
Anzar Rade said, “Ten days of untreated sewage flowing on a public road is unacceptable. The administration appears to wake up only after public outrage.”
Hussain Shaikh said, “Residents are forced to inhale foul air and walk through contaminated water. Such neglect puts public health at serious risk.”
Sadik Khan added, “If a blocked drainage chamber cannot be repaired for more than a week, it exposes the poor maintenance of the underground drainage infrastructure. Citizens deserve accountability, not excuses.”
Daljeet Goraya, Secretary of Ganga Kingston Society, said recurring drainage failures have become routine.
“Temporary repairs are no solution. The PMC must permanently rectify the drainage network instead of responding only after media reports and public protests,” he said.
Residents have urged the PMC Commissioner and senior civic officials to intervene immediately, warning that the continued overflow poses a serious health hazard, disrupts local businesses and reinforces the perception that Mohammadwadi and NIBM Annexe are remembered only when taxes are collected, while essential civic services remain neglected.
