Pune: Handewadi Residents Launch Three-Day Protest Over Poor Roads, Water and Drainage Issues

Reported by Shoaib Tadvi
Handewadi, 8th May 2026: Residents from several housing societies in Handewadi and Hokarwadi launched the first phase of their planned three-day public agitation on Thursday by holding a hunger strike at Handewadi Chowk.

A large number of citizens participated in the protest against the continued lack of basic civic amenities in the area despite paying substantial taxes every year.

The agitation is being carried out under the banner of local residents demanding improved roads, drainage systems, water supply, electricity infrastructure, and overall civic development. Protesters said the movement has been planned in three phases, beginning with the hunger strike on the first day.

Residents alleged that the area continues to face serious infrastructure issues, including damaged roads, drainage overflow during the monsoon, irregular water supply, dependence on water tankers, and frequent electricity-related problems. They claimed that despite rapid urbanisation and a growing population, civic facilities have not improved proportionately.

Local corporator Prachi Alhat attended the hunger strike and addressed the gathering. She said the concerns raised by residents are genuine and assured them that the issues would continue to be pursued with the concerned authorities.

“The people of Handewadi and Hokarwadi deserve proper roads, drainage lines, water pipelines, and basic infrastructure. Citizens are paying taxes regularly, and the authorities must answer for the lack of facilities,” said Corporator Prachi.

She further added, “This fight is for every resident living here. Development work must reach every society and every household. We will continue to push for necessary civic improvements.”

Citizens participating in the hunger strike expressed frustration over years of pending civic works and poor infrastructure planning.

“We are paying heavy taxes every year, but still struggling for basic necessities like roads, water, and drainage. Residents should not have to suffer like this,” said one of the protesters.

Another resident said, “During the rainy season, roads become unsafe and drainage water overflows in several places. The administration needs to take immediate action instead of offering only assurances.”

One of the organisers stated that the movement was not politically motivated.

“This is not a political protest. This is a united movement by residents demanding basic rights and essential civic facilities for Handewadi and Holkarwadi,” the organiser said.

According to the organisers, the agitation has been planned over three days:
* Day 1 – Hunger Strike (Uposhan) at Handewadi Chowk

* Day 2 – Symbolic Funeral March (Pratikatmak Antyatra) from Handewadi Chowk to nearby areas

• Day 3 – Candle Protest and Public Demonstration (Nishedh Andolan) at Handewadi Chowk in the evening

The protest remained peaceful throughout the day, with residents carrying banners and placards demanding accountability and immediate infrastructure development.

Organisers said the agitation would continue until concrete action is taken to resolve the long-pending civic issues affecting residents of Handewadi and Hokarwadi.