Wadgaon Sheri storm water drainage work crawls, residents fear monsoon chaos

Pune: Residents of Wadgaon Sheri are waiting in trepidation for the monsoon because the storm water drainage project from the nullah opposite Arnold School to Rahul Wadewale near CSM Udyan launched last year with promises to be completed before Diwali 2025 stays half done, sure to cause problems once the rains arrive.

Local residents said barely 50% to 60% of the project has been finished. They said the work has dragged on, severely disrupting traffic movement, increasing accident risks and causing daily inconvenience — especially near Nyati Meadows and the Labour Camp Road.

Residents, who have been continuously following up with the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), said the work began around April-May 2025. However, progress was repeatedly hindered due to various reasons, including alleged shortage of funds during the absence of an elected civic body, local issues and the recent strike at RMC plants.

“Last monsoon itself was a nightmare. The roads had become slippery and dangerous because of the digging and constant movement of RMC-carrying vehicles. We are staring at the same situation again this year,” said a resident of Nyati Meadows.

A commuter, who uses the stretch daily, said the incomplete work had become a major traffic bottleneck. “The narrowed road and diversions have made travel unpredictable. During peak hours, vehicles pile up and pedestrians are forced to walk dangerously close to construction zones,” he said.

Three months ago, following repeated complaints, PMC drainage department officials, including the executive engineer and the junior engineer, visited the spot. Thereafter, the road near Nyati Meadows was completed in haste and a diversion route was created for the Labour Camp Road traffic to allow work to move ahead. Residents claimed the pace had slowed down considerably after that.

“The Nyati Meadows entry gate has been closed for nearly three months, incoveniencing residents, visitors and emergency vehicles,” said Rajan Viswanathan, a resident and member of Clean Wadgaonsheri group.

Residents pursuing the matter said they contacted chief engineer Jagdish Khanore, who directed them to superintending engineer Rohidas Gavane. The matter was referred back to the drainage department officials later. Residents said they were told material shortage was delaying the progress. Additionally, officials reportedly cited the recent RMC plant strike as another reason for slow works, adding that contractors had been instructed to speed up operations after the strike was called off.

Despite the assurances, people alleged that little activity was visible at the site.

With the monsoon expected to arrive, locals fear the incomplete project could lead to severe traffic congestion and unsafe road conditions similar to last year or worse.

“Every year, we are told to cooperate in the name of infrastructure development. However, projects cannot continue endlessly with no accountability on deadlines,” said a senior citizen of the area.

PMC drainage department official Kailash Karale said, “There was concrete shortage a few days ago due to the strike of RMC plants. Now that it is over and supply has resumed, we will direct the contractors to expedite the work.”

Residents have demanded that the work be completed on a war footing and, at least, the critical stretches completed before heavy rains begin.