Violations at Pune Airport Civil Road Pose Security and Safety Risks: Viman Nagar Citizens Forum Raises Concerns
Viman Nagar, 4th January 2025: Qaneez Sukhrani, Convenor of the Viman Nagar Citizens Forum, has brought several pressing issues regarding the civil road at Pune Airport to the attention of Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) and Airport Authority of India (AAI). In a strongly worded letter dated January 3, Sukhrani highlighted security risks, safety hazards, and administrative lapses that demand immediate action.
Addressing key officials, including Pune Airport Director Santosh Dhoke and Additional Commissioner of PMC Prithviraj BP, Sukhrani detailed several deviations and violations that have escalated concerns among residents. “The laxity by both PMC and AAI has created an untenable situation on the civil road near Pune Airport. These issues need to be dealt with strictly and immediately,” she stated.
Major Concerns Raised by the Forum
Litter and Cleanliness: Sukhrani pointed to garbage littered along the road, in direct violation of warnings displayed on boards installed by the Estate Office of the Air Force Station. “How can the road be free of garbage when empty beer bottles are strewn across it? This reflects a lack of daily maintenance,” she said.
Trolley Mismanagement: She flagged the issue of baggage trolleys being wheeled out onto the civil road, posing risks of theft and damage to government property. “Why are trolleys allowed outside the terminal and not collected back immediately?” she asked.
Illegal Stall Near Terminal 2: Sukhrani called out the illegal operation of Sai Tea Centre, run by an individual named Pawar, opposite the Terminal 2 exit. “This illegal stall attracts crowds of AAI staff, cab drivers, and auto drivers, creating congestion on an already narrow road. How has PMC allowed such a setup?” she questioned.
Traffic and Safety Hazards: The letter criticized the failure to enforce a one-way traffic rule for the road, which was previously agreed upon by traffic authorities.
“Why is two-way traffic still being allowed, especially at night? This creates a safety hazard, with zooming cabs posing risks to residents of Viman Nagar,” she stated.
Security Personnel Negligence: Sukhrani also raised concerns about the deployment of security personnel. “Security staff are often seen using mobile phones instead of managing the situation. They allow trolleys to be left unattended and fail to enforce proper entry and exit regulations,” she said.
Demand for Action and Feedback
Sukhrani criticized PMC for arbitrarily constructing the road without consulting local residents, leading to “untold inconvenience and hazard for a quiet residential area like Viman Nagar.” She urged both PMC and AAI to resolve the listed issues and provide feedback on the measures being taken.
“The PMC has consistently refused to engage in a constructive discussion, although the Traffic Police has shown willingness. We demand accountability and immediate corrective action,” she emphasized.
