The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in Pune has voiced its opposition to the proposed Monorail project at Tatyasaheb Thorat Garden in Kothrud. The party has formally requested the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) to halt the project, emphasizing the significance of preserving the largest and most frequented garden in the Kothrud area.
Thorat Udyan serves as a vital open space where residents engage in various activities such as walking, running, exercising, practicing yoga, and relaxation. Children utilize the garden for play, making it a central hub for recreational activities in the densely populated Kothrud area. Due to the scarcity of open spaces, the garden witnesses high footfall in the morning and evening.
Members of AAP have submitted a letter to Vikas Dhakne, additional Commissioner of PMC, expressing concerns about the proposed monorail project. The project, estimated to cost Rs 5 crore, plans to install approximately 70 pillars within Thorat Udyan. AAP contends that this would significantly diminish the open space, creating challenges for citizens who frequent the garden daily.
The party questions the rationale behind initiating a monorail project in Kothrud, with the presence of an existing metro system in close proximity to Thorat Garden. AAP highlights that neither local civic groups nor citizens have advocated for the monorail, urging PMC to reconsider its decision.
AAP insists that the Pune Municipal Corporation should heed the widespread opposition from garden-loving citizens in Kothrud and refrain from starting the monorail project in Thorat Udyan. The party warns of potential protests if the initiative is not immediately halted, emphasizing the importance of listening to the concerns of informed citizens.
