Pune: Katraj Residents Demand Urgent Action on Development and Traffic Woes

Anaum Shaikh

Katraj, 8th October 2023: In a fervent plea to the Commissioner of Police, Pune City, the residents of Katraj and nearby Gram Panchayats have expressed their mounting frustration over persistent problems of traffic jams and the indifference of the authorities towards their development needs. The residents have warned of imminent protests within the next fifteen days if their concerns continue to be disregarded.

The Katraj Vikas Aghadi, representing the aggrieved residents, alleges that the local administration has been ignoring the pressing issues concerning the development of newly included village panchayats as well as the development of Katraj itself. A series of protests, including hunger strikes, public gatherings, and road blockades, were organized to draw the administration’s attention to the dire situation at Katraj Chowk. 

However, residents claim that these efforts have yielded little more than empty promises, often in written form, only to be broken by the authorities, even when faced with hunger strikes to the death.

Katraj residents have also highlighted the concern of loss of lives and injuries due to accidents in the area. Within just 15 days, Katraj has witnessed a tragic toll of 56 lives lost and 25 to 30 individuals injured. An accident on 4th October claimed the life of a young person near the Katraj Gandharva Mangal Office on Satara Road. The incessant traffic jams, particularly along Katraj Kondhwa Road and Navale Road, have made the daily commute life-threatening. These roads have tragically transformed into graveyards, causing immense suffering and anxiety among the populace.

The residents maintain that despite their repeated pleas, the administration has failed to take any meaningful action to address this grave issue. It appears that, in their view, the administration’s focus has been on collecting taxes rather than safeguarding lives.

Now, the residents have issued a collective ultimatum. The Katraj Vikas Aghadi, in conjunction with Katraj villagers and residents, has vowed to stage protests within the next fifteen days if their concerns continue to be ignored. It is crucial to note that, in the event of any law and order disturbances or untoward incidents, both the administration and the relevant administrative officials will bear full responsibility.

The situation in Katraj is growing increasingly tense as residents unite in their determination to secure a brighter and safer future for their community. Their demands for action on development and traffic issues are reaching a breaking point, demanding urgent attention from the administration.