Pune: Baner Sub Post Office Faces Recurring Flooding, Citizens Demand Immediate Action
Baner, 17th July 2026: The Baner Balewadi Nagrik Manch (BBNM) has urged the authorities to take immediate action to address recurring waterlogging and staff shortages at the Baner Sub Post Office, issues that it says have been affecting thousands of residents for several years.
In separate written representations submitted to the Senior Superintendent of Post Offices, Pune West Division, and the Pune Municipal Corporation’s Aundh-Baner Ward Office, the citizens’ forum sought permanent solutions to the infrastructure and operational problems at the post office.
The Baner Sub Post Office operates from a Pune Municipal Corporation building constructed on the amenity space of Sai Datt Society and caters to residents of Baner, Balewadi and nearby areas. According to BBNM, the facility becomes difficult to access every monsoon due to severe waterlogging outside its entrance.
The organisation said that heavy rainfall this year once again led to knee-deep water accumulating outside the post office, making it difficult for both citizens and staff to enter the premises. Last year, the situation was more severe when the Dev River overflowed, causing waist-deep flooding that forced the post office to remain closed for several days. Senior citizens, women and persons with disabilities were among those most affected.
According to BBNM, the recurring flooding is primarily caused by the low-lying area in front of the post office, an inadequate stormwater drainage system and a damaged retaining wall along the Dev River, which allows floodwater to enter the premises during heavy rains.
Apart from the flooding issue, the organisation has also highlighted a shortage of staff at the post office. Despite offering a wide range of public services—including Aadhaar enrolment and updates, postal banking, savings schemes, National Savings Certificates (NSC), life certificate verification, postal insurance, courier services and other postal facilities—the office is reportedly functioning with only a limited number of employees.
BBNM said the shortage has resulted in long queues, extended waiting times and inconvenience for residents seeking essential services.
In its representations, the forum has demanded:
A permanent solution to the recurring waterlogging problem.
Repair of the damaged retaining wall along the Dev River.
Upgradation of the stormwater drainage system.
A safe access route to the post office during the monsoon.
Deployment of additional staff to improve public services.
Clarification regarding the large pipes lying beside the post office premises for several months.
“A post office is an essential public service. Citizens should not have to wade through floodwater to access basic services or wait for long hours because of inadequate staffing. We urge the concerned authorities to take immediate and permanent corrective measures,” the Baner Balewadi Nagrik Manch said in a statement.
The matter is being actively pursued by Adv. S. O. Mashalkar (President), Adv. Sanjeev Jadhav, Dilip Borkar, Vijaya Patil and Rajendra Mahajan on behalf of the Baner Balewadi Nagrik Manch.
