Pune: Undri Residents Demand Action on Hazardous Electricity Poles; Feel Ignored by PMC and MSEDCL
Anaum Shaikh
Undri, 19th October 2023: Growing frustration and anger are palpable among the residents of Undri, a suburb incorporated into the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) over five years ago. The community’s grievances focus on PMC’s perceived neglect of essential civic amenities.
The most urgent concern is hazardous electricity poles inconveniently situated in the middle of the road at two separate locations at Kad Nagar Chowk. Despite months of petitioning, the issue remains unresolved.
On June 2, 2023, aggrieved residents collectively petitioned the PMC for the relocation of these dangerous poles. A glimmer of hope appeared in August when PMC Additional Commissioner Vikas Dhakane visited the area, pledging completion of the work by September. However, September has passed, and the problem persists.
Sunil Koloti, a local resident, detailed a recent accident involving an auto-rickshaw driver who collided with one of these poorly-placed poles, sustaining head injuries and severe vehicle damage. Koloti emphasized that these poles are responsible for multiple accidents, especially during rush hours and at night. Despite repeated appeals, PMC’s response remains inadequate. Residents were told work would begin after the rains stopped, but three weeks have passed since the last rainfall with no action taken.
Durga Krishnamurthy, another Undri inhabitant, voiced her discontent: “The PMC Commissioner promised work would be completed by September 10, 2023, but as usual, the area remains neglected. We’re tax-paying citizens, yet we feel like beggars having to plead for basic amenities.”
In response, Vikas Dhakane, PMC Additional Commissioner, stated, “This is a complex process requiring numerous approvals and documentation. Rain has also delayed the work. Now that the weather has cleared, we have multiple tasks in various locations. I can’t commit to a date, but I assure you the work will be completed.”
Residents are increasingly weary of promises and demand tangible action. In addition to the electricity poles, Undri faces a plethora of other civic issues, including water supply and road conditions, which have been long-neglected.
Persistent neglect by PMC in delivering basic services to tax-paying residents leaves the community frustrated and disenchanted. They continue to hope for timely action and call on authorities to prioritize their safety and well-being over bureaucratic delays.
Join Punekar News Whatsapp Group, Telegram, Instagram And Twitter For Regular Update about Pune City And Pimpri-Chinchwad
