Pune: Pune is grappling with worsening civic issues including traffic congestion, poor waste management, inadequate water supply, and deteriorating road conditions, all of which are making daily life difficult for citizens, said Rajya Sabha MP Medha Kulkarni. She expressed strong displeasure over the situation and criticized the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) for its inaction.
Kulkarni held a one-hour meeting on Friday with PMC Commissioner Dr. Nawal Kishore Ram to raise these concerns. Later, addressing the media, she outlined various unresolved civic issues affecting the city.
“The traffic congestion in Pune is becoming unbearable. Narrow roads, increasing number of vehicles, poor planning by the road department, and negligence by civic officials have worsened the situation. It takes more time to travel across the city than it takes to reach Mumbai,” she said.
She added that road accidents are on the rise, and PMC has failed to respond adequately. "From insufficient water supply and poor garbage disposal to illegal construction and indiscriminate tree cutting, PMC has turned a blind eye to it all," she noted.
Citing the growing number of accidents at Gangadham Chowk in Market Yard, she questioned the delay in constructing a flyover which was proposed years ago. "Who is creating obstacles for this project? The administration should disclose who’s behind the opposition," she demanded.
Kulkarni also raised concerns over the ongoing Mula-Mutha riverfront development project. “Though the Centre has provided a substantial budget, PMC is violating environmental norms. Shrinking the riverbed and concreting it will destroy old trees and rare species, and threaten the natural ecosystem. As a public representative, I oppose such environmental damage and misuse of public funds,” she said.
On a separate note, Kulkarni criticized the ongoing political row over renaming Pune railway station after Shrimant Bajirao Peshwa. “As an elected representative, I have the right to express my opinion. Bajirao Peshwa is a proud historical figure and deserves recognition. However, criticism should remain within limits. Those who resort to personal attacks should be held accountable,” she said.