Corporator Bandal presses PMC to act on neglected Wadachiwadi lake

Concern is growing in Wadachiwadi over the alleged neglect of the Wadachiwadi lake. Nivrutti Anna Bandal, corporator for Ward 41, has asked the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) to intervene immediately so that the lake can be restored and protected over the long term. Local residents Archana Dubey and Sangamitra have also stressed the need to protect the local water body and said accountability for its upkeep must be fixed.

Water security is becoming an increasingly important issue in Pune and surrounding areas. Attention has turned to the need to desilt the Wadachiwadi lake, curb pollution and carry out regular maintenance. The question of whether protecting existing water bodies is the city administration's responsibility has also been raised.

Archana Dubey, a local resident, said: "Wadachiwadi lake is an important part of our neighbourhood and its condition should not be ignored. The authorities should clean and restore the lake in time, so that it survives for society and for future generations."

Sangamitra also stressed that continuous efforts were needed to protect the lake and that maintenance should be done properly.

Sangamitra said: "Conservation of the lake should not be limited to occasional cleanliness drives. Regular monitoring, proper maintenance and effective measures to stop pollution are essential. The authorities must take responsibility and ensure that the lake remains safe for a long time."

Bandal has demanded that the lake be desilted immediately. He has also sought a special fund to restore it. He has further appealed to the concerned state and central government officials to step in and help in the efforts to save the lake.

Bandal has also questioned the supervision of the private contractors responsible for cleaning and maintenance. He said that getting this work done by outside parties does not absolve the PMC of its responsibility, because these are public assets.

He has called for effective measures to stop pollution, regular inspection of maintenance work and a time-bound conservation plan, so that accountability can be fixed and progress can be measured.

Residents and local representatives have asked the authorities to give restoration of the lake top priority and take concrete steps to protect the water body. They say continuous coordination between the PMC and the concerned government agencies is necessary to keep the Wadachiwadi lake safe and preserve its environmental importance.