Kalyani Nagar residents in Pune protest over rising pub culture, citing safety concerns

They cited issues such as parking shortages, encroachment, noise disturbances, and alleged violations in licensing norms as reasons for growing distress.

The gathering took place outside Kumar Kruti Society and was attended by several residents who shared first-hand accounts of how their quality of life has been affected.

They claimed that civic and excise authorities have continued to issue new licenses without addressing repeated complaints submitted by the community.

“The issue is not new. We’ve been raising it for over three years,” said Yasmin Charania, one of the organisers of the event. “Despite repeated representations to the PMC and Excise Department, no effective action has been taken. Many of these establishments are operating in residential buildings and violating multiple norms.”

Residents pointed out that commercial properties have allegedly encroached on open spaces and parking areas, converting them into kitchens and seating spaces. They also expressed concern about bars operating under showroom licenses, questioning the legal basis for such conversions.

Suhas Harse, a society chairman who lives on the second floor of a building surrounded by commercial establishments, said, “I have had to call the police on multiple nights due to loud music and disturbances. I’ve lived here for three years, and this has become a nightly issue. My health has deteriorated because of the stress and noise.”

Concerns were also raised about road safety and the lack of parking space. “There is double parking everywhere, leaving no space for emergency vehicles to pass. Valet parking for pubs often takes up entire lanes,” Charania said. “Meanwhile, residents are fined for even short-term parking.”

Some residents also alleged that public drinking, loud altercations, and suspected drug use have become more visible in the area. They claimed that the environment has become unsafe for senior citizens, children, and women.

Referencing a recent discussion in the Maharashtra State Assembly — where it was suggested that Kalyani Nagar residents were not facing any “real” issues — residents said the statement was disconnected from on-ground realities.

“The rules are being enforced selectively. Establishments continue to flout zoning laws while residents bear the brunt,” Harse added.

The residents demanded that no further licenses be issued in the area until a comprehensive audit of existing operations is completed. They also asked for stricter enforcement of noise and parking regulations, and for commercial establishments in residential zones to be reviewed for compliance.

The Pune city police had intensified the drive against the alleged “disorderly conduct” at and outside the pubs and restaurants following incident in which a 17-year-old boy driving the Porsche car under the influence of alcohol he allegedly consumed at two hotels in the city, knocked down a motorcycle, causing the death of two IT engineers, at the Kalyani Nagar junction in Yerwada, around 2.30 am on May 19, 2024.

After the mishap, residents of Kalyaninagar and Koregaon Park have demanded action against the untoward activities and problems caused due to the extended hours of the pub and restaurants in their area.

An order issued by the Pune police commissioner last year asked all bars/permit rooms to strictly adhere to the outer time limit of 1.30 am and “shut their establishments by this time.

It also asked the establishments not to employ any “security personnel having a crime record over the last 10 years” as “bouncers” except with the written permission of the concerned zonal deputy commissioner of police.