The serene streets of Baner are marred by a persistent issue as footpaths near Manipal Hospitals on Baner-Mahalunge Road are encroached upon, causing distress among residents who find it increasingly challenging to navigate the area on foot.
In an interview A concerned resident of Baner, speaking anonymously, expressed frustration, stating, “There are numerous encroachments on the footpaths near Manipal Hospitals. All the space is occupied there. These people also have their own tempo which is parked on the footpaths. We are calling Pune a Smart City. The perpetrators aren’t poor to not have spaces for parking their vehicles at their own place as they own several tempos, expensive bikes. This is only to unnecessarily occupy space. I have been following up this issue with the PMC for 6 months, but nothing has happened.”
Sarang Wable, another resident of Baner, highlighted the longstanding nature of the issue, stating, “The encroachments are there on the footpaths near Manipal Hospital for several years. Their animals like cow etc remain tied on the footpath, garages are there, shops & other types of encroachments are also there. I don’t know why the PMC hasn’t taken any strict action against them. Even if action is taken, it is temporary as these encroachments come back on the footpaths immediately. There is no permanent action.”
Ameya Jagtap, a member of the Balewadi Welfare Association, emphasized the need for sustained and strict action, stating, “Especially from Manipal Hospital to Sadanand Hotel, encroachments are there. There is a residential settlement in the area where there are small shacks/cottages (zopdi). They park their vehicles on the footpaths & encroach it with other things too. Pedestrians have to face a lot of hassles while walking on those footpaths due to the encroachments.”
Sachin Uthale, the Encroachment Officer at PMC, responded, “We will inspect the location & take relevant action against it.”
