Wagholi Residents Protest Against Poor Civic Services by Stopping PMC Commissioner's Vehicle
Wagholi, 15th October 2025: Frustrated by years of neglect and lack of basic civic facilities, residents of Wagholi on Wednesday intercepted the vehicle of Pune Municipal Commissioner Naval Kishore Ram, demanding immediate action to address issues such as damaged roads, overflowing drains, irregular garbage collection, and inadequate drainage systems.
Despite Wagholi’s merger with the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) in 2017, locals claim that development in the area has barely progressed. Citizens alleged that repeated complaints and follow-ups have failed to bring lasting solutions.
Sanjiv Kumar Patil, a long-time Wagholi resident, said, “We have been paying taxes regularly, but the conditions here are worse than in rural areas. There’s no underground drainage network or sewage treatment plant. Each housing society has been forced to manage its own waste. The coordination gap between PMRDA and PMC is the root of all problems, and it’s the residents who are suffering because of it.”
Another resident, who participated in the protest, said they were compelled to act out of sheer frustration. “We’ve submitted letters, attended meetings, and raised the issue on every platform. Since nothing moved, we had no option left but to stop the Commissioner’s vehicle and make our voices heard,” the resident said.
Mamta Singh, another resident, expressed disappointment over the lack of facilities despite living in one of Pune’s fastest-growing suburbs. “It’s ironic that a city known for its IT hubs and smart city projects has such neglected neighborhoods. Traffic chaos, water shortage, and poor waste management have made life miserable. I’m seriously considering moving back to Bengaluru, where at least the civic systems function better,” she said.
Municipal Commissioner Naval Kishore Ram assured residents that their grievances would be addressed. “We are aware of the concerns raised by Wagholi residents. The administration will review the situation and take appropriate steps to resolve the issues at the earliest,” he said.
