Failure to check nightlife, river pollution to have impact on this assembly constituency

BRTS setback

The two arterial roads—Alandi road and Ahmednagar road—have been witnessing an increase of vehicles with population growth in the area. They were among the first city roads with Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS), which yielded good results in the beginning, but with increased vehicle density, it became bottlenecks in the smooth flow of traffic and the civic administration had to remove part of it last year on Ahmednagar road. However, the Pune Metro brought a big relief to citizens.

Slow push to road infra

The sitting legislator pushed for a flyover and grade separator at Ambedkar chowk in Vishrantwadi and another Y-shape flyover and grade separator at Shastrinagar chowk. However, the project implementation gained momentum during the end of the five-year term of Tingre. “These projects were very much necessary to solve traffic woes of the area and I am glad I have been able to get them on track,” said Tingre. However, the citizens forum has opposed the projects, citing improper planning that would merely shift the traffic congestion from the area.

Water woes in some parts

The area was known to be one affected by insufficient water supply but the supply of water from Bhama Askhed dam brought a big relief in major part of localities in the constituency. However, the new highly populated localities do face water shortage.

River pollution unaddressed

The Vadgaonsheri has its boundary with Mula-Mutha river which reaches the constituency after cutting through the city. The pollution in the river has been a big concern for the residents living alongside, as the sewage released from the city flows in the river leading to bad odour and breeding spots for insects.

Threat to green cover

The depletion of green cover, mainly due to dumping of debris in Salim Ali bird sanctuary and alongside Mula-Mutha river, got citizens to protest against it and ensure conservation of nature. It is a long struggle that pops time and again due to miscreants damaging the green cover.

Nightlife affecting security, safety

The opening of pubs, discos and restaurants in the constituency that attracts youth for enjoying nightlife have been a big concern for residents of the area. They have been demanding police checks on the nightlife activities.

Political tussle within Mahayuti

The BJP lost the seat to NCP in the previous election but the two are in alliance now but the local leadership refuse to mend differences and work together. Instead of coming together to resolve public concerns, the BJP led by former legislator Jagdish Mulick and NCP legislator Sunil Tingre continue to be at loggerheads. Thus, the BJP and NCP are likely to witness defection of some local leaders to the opposition parties—mainly NCP(SP)—as BJP leader Bapu Pathare is likely to contest with an NCP (SP) ticket.