Pune: With just seventeen days remaining until Pune’s iconic Ganesh Festival, concerns over the city’s road conditions have intensified. Heavy rains have left the roads in a dire state, and the municipal corporation is facing sharp criticism for its inaction.

Members of various Ganpati mandals have openly questioned the authorities, demanding immediate repairs to avoid further tarnishing the city’s image during the festivities.

The Ganesh Festival, a key cultural event for Pune, draws devotees from across the country and abroad. However, the recent deterioration of the city’s roads has cast a shadow over the upcoming celebrations.

Rakesh Dakhale from the Janardan Pavale Mahasangh in Kasba Peth expressed frustration, questioning whether mandaps are expected to be set up amidst the numerous potholes that currently plague the city.

Echoing this sentiment, Ram Dahad of the Shanivar Veer Maruti Ganeshotsav Mandal criticized the municipal corporation for making false promises.

He urged officials to personally inspect the roads instead of relying on superficial reports and cautioned against pursuing populist measures at the expense of genuine public welfare.

Ranjit Dhage from the Hasbanis Bakhal Mandal stressed the global significance of Pune’s Ganesh Festival and warned that the city’s reputation is at stake. He called for the immediate repair of potholes to ensure a smooth and safe experience for both locals and visiting devotees.

The municipal corporation had previously dug up roads for maintenance work, but poor restoration efforts by contractors have left many roads in worse condition, making daily commuting a challenge for residents.

Ganpati mandals have repeatedly appealed to the authorities to prioritize road repairs, especially during this culturally significant time.

Namdev Malvade of the Shivanjali Mitra Mandal emphasized that the Ganesh Festival is not just for individuals but for the entire city, and the municipal corporation’s negligence is damaging Pune’s reputation.