Only 1 lakh elderly, 2,500 pregnant women: PMC’s survey ‘data’ on high-risk patients raises eyebrows

By June 4, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) claimed to have covered 1.34 crore local residents by visiting 39.49 lakh houses -- in seven rounds of door-to-door surveys in the city.

The PMC data states that there are only 2,502 pregnant women in the city. (Source: File Photo)

In its quest to identify local residents who are in the ‘high-risk’ category for coronavirus disease (Covid-19), the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has drawn up a list of one lakh elderly residents. But this relatively low number, in a city with over 40 lakh people, has raised some questions. Similarly, the PMC finding only 2,502 pregnant women in the city has also made activists wonder about the accuracy of the civic body’s door-to-door surveys.

By June 4, the PMC claimed to have covered 1.34 crore local residents by visiting 39.49 lakh houses — in seven rounds of door-to-door surveys in the city. The civic body has visited the same people and same houses multiple times, and each time made a new entry for it. Lately, it has started to focus on patients with comorbidities, the elderly and pregnant women, all groups susceptible to the infection.

Based on its surveys, the civic body has prepared a list with 1,07,018 senior citizens and 2,502 pregnant women, who need to be monitored regularly. Going by the data, the maximum number of 33,362 senior citizens is in Warje ward office area, followed by 26,365 in Hadapsar ward office area. The least number of ‘high-risk’ senior citizens, 1,014, is in Yerawada ward office area.

The PMC data further states that there are only 2,502 pregnant women in the city that includes only two in Dhankawadi ward office area, 13 in Ghole road – Shivajinagar ward office area, while the maximum of 648 are in Hadapsar ward office area, followed by 378 in Bhavani Peth area.

“It is difficult to believe that there are only one lakh senior citizens and 2,502 citizens in the city that has an estimated population of over 40 lakh. The civic data is either wrong or the survey was not carried out sincerely,” said activist Vivek Velankar.

He said while the civic staff seemed to lack seriousness about the issue, local residents have also not taken the situation seriously as the number of new cases every day was still high

The death rate in Covid-19 cases in Pune, at 5.06 percent, is higher than the rest of the state and country, which are 3.37 percent and 2.79 percent respectively.

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Municipal Commissioner Shekhar Gaikwad said the PMC has undertaken a special campaign, as part of which basic check-ups of pregnant women and elderly residents will be done by monitoring their body temperature, oxygen saturation and blood sugar levels, among other vitals.

The collected information will be referred to a non-communicable disease clinic. “Budgetary provision of Rs 67.60 lakh has been made for the work for the next two months,” he said.

Till June 2, PMC areas have seen a total of 344 deaths, of which 209 patients were above 60 while 71 were in the age group of 50 to 60 years. A total of 954 positive patients were above 60 and 865 were in the age group of 50 to 60 years.

Ajay Jadhav

Ajay Jadhav is an Assistant Editor at The Indian Express, Pune. With over 22 years of experience in the industry, he is a highly specialized journalist whose work focuses on the intersection of urban infrastructure, governance, and sustainability. Professional Background Role: As Assistant Editor, he plays a key role in the editorial direction of the Pune bureau, specializing in urban policy and its direct impact on citizens. Education: He holds a Master’s degree in Communication and Journalism from Savitribai Phule Pune University and a PG Diploma in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). He also studied at the prestigious Fergusson College. Impactful Reporting: He is credited with research-based articles on conservancy staff (waste workers) that influenced national policy for better working conditions. He is also known for exposing the contrast between high-end infrastructure (like helipads for leaders) and the lack of basic amenities like schools in their home districts. Personal Interests: An avid trekker and sports enthusiast, his personal interest in the outdoors often informs his reporting on environmental protection and sustainable development. Recent Notable Articles (December 2025) His reporting in late 2025 has been dominated by the upcoming January 2026 Civic Polls in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad, and the city's infrastructure boom: 1. Political Analysis (Civic Elections 2026) "Not friendly but a bitter fight lies ahead between BJP and NCP for PMC, PCMC" (Dec 22, 2025): A detailed look at the intense rivalry between the Mahayuti partners as they prepare for the January 15 municipal elections. "Pune civic polls: Big blow to NCP, NCP(SP) as leaders switch to BJP" (Dec 20, 2025): Reporting on high-profile poaching and party-hopping ahead of the elections. "Ajit Pawar's NCP continues domination in Pune, wins 10 of 17 local bodies" (Dec 21, 2025): Analyzing the results of the local self-government body elections as a precursor to the main civic polls. 2. Infrastructure & Urban Development "Looking Ahead at 2026: Pune to see inauguration of much-awaited Hinjewadi to Shivajinagar metro route" (Dec 22, 2025): An "outlook" piece on the critical Metro Line 3 project expected to finish by March 2026. "Building Pune: PMC to construct double-decker bridge over Mula-Mutha River" (Dec 18, 2025): Detailing a major project aimed at easing traffic between Hadapsar and Kharadi. "Condition of highway from Pune to Kolhapur to improve in a year: Gadkari" (Dec 4, 2025): Reporting on the Union Minister’s assurances regarding one of the state's most critical transport corridors. 3. Civic Governance & Environment "Install sensors, LED indicators at construction sites within 15 days: PMC to builders" (Dec 16, 2025): A follow-up to the "Breathless Pune" series, reporting on new mandates for builders to monitor air quality in real-time. "Errors in electoral rolls: PMC corrects data of 92,466 voters" (Dec 16, 2025): Tracking the administrative efforts to clean up the voter lists before the 2026 elections. Signature Style Ajay Jadhav is known for accountability journalism. His work often bridges the gap between high-level policy and the "ground zero" reality of Pune's residents. He is particularly focused on Sustainable Development, ensuring that as Pune grows into a "Bharat Mandapam" style destination (referring to his report on the Lohegaon project), its environmental and social safeguards remain intact. X (Twitter): @ajay_khape ... Read More

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