With Maharashtra’s state assembly elections approaching on November 20, Pune residents are voicing concerns over local infrastructure issues through “citizens’ manifestos,” pushing candidates to address long-standing problems like water scarcity, poor roads, power outages, and waste management. In the Kothrud constituency, residents from Baner, Balewadi, and Pashan compiled community demands to present to local candidates. In Mohammadwadi and Undri, residents drafted a manifesto calling for basic amenities after 18 years of inadequate services, particularly in water supply, as they continue to rely on costly private tankers.
Residents of Kalyani Nagar also organized a “Know Your Candidates” event, raising issues related to traffic, pollution control, and infrastructure to Vadgaon Sheri constituency candidates. Team Swachh Kalyani Nagar, chaired by Rachna Agarwal, demanded a ban on liquor licenses in residential areas and a commitment to ending tanker reliance.
Candidates from the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and Shiv Sena have committed to improving water distribution, road conditions, and development plans. NCP’s Sambhaji Zende and Shiv Sena’s Vijay Shivtare acknowledged the challenges due to urbanization and population pressure, emphasizing the need for immediate action post-elections to address the gaps in basic amenities across Pune’s rapidly expanding residential zones.
