Pune: Over 100,000 residents of the Kasba Peth Assembly constituency have declared their intention to boycott the upcoming state assembly elections due to unresolved issues regarding the renovation and reconstruction of old wadas.
The Shaniwarwada Action Committee, formed by concerned citizens, has spearheaded this movement, with its leader Anupama Mujumdar issuing a stern warning to local authorities.
The controversy stems from a ban imposed by the Archaeological Department on any construction or renovation within a 100-meter radius of heritage sites.
As a result, old wadas and certain buildings in the vicinity of Shaniwarwada and Pataleshwar temples are in disrepair, with reconstruction projects being halted indefinitely.
According to the Shaniwarwada Action Committee, the citizens have been facing numerous difficulties due to the strict regulations enforced by the central government.
Mujumdar and the committee have accused local representatives, including MPs, MLAs, and corporators, of neglecting the issue and failing to address the grievances of the citizens. The committee had sought permission to hold a hunger strike to highlight their demands, but the police denied their request.
"We are trapped between an indifferent government, the municipal corporation's inefficiency, and mounting difficulties," Mujumdar said in her statement.
Despite claims from the authorities that new constructions around the Shaniwarwada would not pose any threat to its walls, building permissions are still not being granted.
The residents, especially those living in the old wadas, face additional challenges such as the absence of essential services like fire safety systems and ambulance access, further exacerbating their plight.
