Pune: Once a peripheral village, Wagholi transformed into a major residential and IT hub on the city’s eastern edge after its inclusion within the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) limits. However, civic infrastructure failed to keep pace with the rapid and often unplanned urban growth, which resulted in chronic issues related to water supply, drainage, roads, traffic, sanitation and public safety, residents said.Ahead of the PMC election on Jan 15, people have prepared a 40-point charter of demands for aspiring corporators, seeking assurances on basic amenities, stronger infrastructure, better transport, transparent governance and fair representation within the civic body to improve the overall quality of life over the next five years.Sandesh Lokhande, director of Wagholi Housing Societies Association, said their key demands include a sewage and drainage management system to address frequent waterlogging, particularly near Bhairavnath lake and along Lohegaon Road, during monsoons. “Solid waste management has emerged as another major concern. Residents demand permanent removal of the garbage depot located behind Emerald Isle and Majestic Meadows housing societies. Water availability and power supply are also high on the agenda,” he said.Residents want a transparent water supply schedule, replacement of old pipelines and uninterrupted electricity on major roads. “Traffic chaos on Nagar Road, Lohegaon Road, Bakori Road and Kesnand Road has led to calls for widening work, proper footpaths, lane markings, permanent traffic control solutions, and strict action against encroachments. Illegal roadside parking is also a concern,” Santosh Krishna, another association director, said.Public transport and connectivity feature prominently on the manifesto, with demands for Metro extension up to Wagholi, development of PMPML and ST bus stands, and safer roads through speed breakers, zebra crossings, and better street lights. Another association director Ankush Dey said, “During our survey, residents raised safety concerns over ant-social activities along Lohegaon Road after darkness, prompting demands for a dedicated police control room. Residents are also pushing for high-quality govt medical facilities, a multispeciality hospital, renovated Marathi medium schools, libraries, playgrounds, public toilets and green spaces through large-scale tree plantation.” Transparency in politics is another focus area. The association in its charter has demanded annual wealth declarations by candidates, disclosure of legal backgrounds, and regular communication through mohalla committees.Another director Kailash Bawane said the manifesto is not aligned with any political party but is meant to serve as a citizen-driven checklist for accountability. “This manifesto is about our everyday struggles and our right to basic civic dignity — from clean water and safe roads to healthcare, education and transparent leadership. We expect whoever seeks our votes to commit clearly to these priorities and deliver measurable results over the next five years,” he said.The association plans to amplify its demands through social media campaigns and public outreach programmes, urging residents to actively participate and ensure Wagholi’s voice is heard in the upcoming civic polls.
