Pimpri: Senior citizens in the Wakad area have expressed concerns over the lack of basic amenities such as public toilets, particularly in areas with a high concentration of elderly residents like Wakad, Punawale, and Thergaon.

These demands were raised during the "Dialogue with Seniors" initiative organized at the Venunagar Senior Citizens Recreation Center.

During the meeting, members of the Dattakripa Senior Citizens' Association highlighted various issues that have been causing inconvenience to seniors in the locality.

The absence of public toilets in public squares and intersections was a major concern, especially for elderly women, who face significant difficulties due to the lack of accessible sanitation facilities.

Madhukar Rahate, president of the association, emphasized the importance of having basic facilities such as public toilets and recreational areas for seniors.

“Although we have received a spacious recreation center, there is an urgent need for public toilets and a separate hall for games. Ensuring these facilities will allow seniors to enjoy their evenings without worry,” Rahate said.

Among the other demands raised were calls for regular health checkups for seniors, installation of CCTV cameras for security, and measures to control stray dogs in the area.

Several members also requested that facilities such as badminton halls and exercise equipment for women be provided, along with the extension of post office operating hours in Wakad.

The association also brought attention to encroachments in public spaces, particularly along Pink City Road, where shopkeepers have taken over parts of the road, making it difficult for pedestrians and creating a need for a designated bus stop near Euro School.

Additionally, the issue of seating encroachments in PMP buses meant for senior citizens was highlighted, along with the request for speed bumps at Kaverinagar.

The Venunagar Senior Citizens' Association was established on August 5, 2021, and has a total of 140 members, with 102 male and 38 female members.

The association actively organizes various activities for seniors, including sports competitions, yoga, Surya Namaskar contests, and trips both abroad and within the country.

Despite these efforts, the association stressed the need for more facilities to cater to the growing senior population in the area.