The onset of the monsoon has once again exposed the dire state of infrastructure in Pune’s Lohgaon area, where residents of Bharat Mata Road are grappling with severe waterlogging and an unpaved, pothole-ridden stretch. Despite repeated complaints and appeals to the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), the road remains in a deplorable condition, making daily life a struggle for hundreds of families.
Bharat Mata Road, a crucial connector in Lohgaon, has not seen proper surfacing or drainage work for years. With every spell of rain, the road transforms into a muddy, waterlogged mess, dotted with deep potholes and stagnant pools. Motorists, schoolchildren, and pedestrians are forced to navigate hazardous conditions, risking accidents and health issues.
Residents report that even a brief shower is enough to submerge large sections of the road, making it nearly impassable for two-wheelers and pedestrians. For senior citizens and emergency vehicles, the situation is even more precarious.
Local resident Priya Kulkarni shared, “We’ve been requesting the PMC to fix this road for over two years. During the monsoon, it’s impossible to step out without getting drenched or slipping. The water stays for days, breeding mosquitoes and increasing the risk of diseases.”
Another resident, Ashok Jadhav, added, “Our children find it difficult to reach school, and delivery vehicles often refuse to come into the lane. We feel neglected and frustrated.”
The stagnant water not only damages vehicles and property but also creates a breeding ground for mosquitoes, raising fears of vector-borne diseases like dengue and malaria. The lack of proper drainage has led to frequent complaints of foul odors, unsanitary conditions, and increased risk of infections, especially among children and the elderly.
Despite multiple written complaints, social media campaigns, and meetings with local corporators, residents say there has been little progress. While the PMC has promised to include Bharat Mata Road in its next phase of road repairs, no concrete timeline has been provided.
A PMC official, speaking on condition of anonymity, acknowledged the issue: “We are aware of the problems in Lohgaon and have included Bharat Mata Road in our upcoming works list. However, budget constraints and ongoing projects have delayed immediate action.”
