Pune: Erratic water supply, rising encroachments, crumbling footpaths and worsening traffic took the centre stage at a citizens’ meet in Deccan Gymkhana recently, with residents saying their quality of life has “deteriorated sharply” and demanding time-bound action from corporators.The interaction, organised by the citizens’ group Deccan Gymkhana Parisar Samiti (DGPS), brought together corporators from two wards after recent delimitation split the neighbourhood between wards 29 (Deccan Gymkhana–Happy Colony) and 12 (Shivajinagar–Model Colony).More than 70 residents attended and raised a range of civic issues, including inconsistent water supply, proliferation of encroachments and roadside stalls, poor road and footpath conditions, traffic congestion, and gaps in waste management. Several participants sought clarity on ward-wise budget allocations and how funds would be prioritised.A key concern was the increasing commercialisation of what are largely residential pockets. Residents said unchecked conversion of homes and rising informal activity have added to congestion and civic strain, and called for “de-commercialisation” measures to restore liveability.Citizens pressed for clear accountability from elected representatives, asking for defined timelines and measurable outcomes instead of open-ended assurances. “We need specific deadlines and visible progress, not just promises,” a resident said during the discussion.Corporators from both wards said they were committed to addressing the concerns and working jointly, given the split jurisdiction. They said that solutions would take time but assured residents of transparency and coordination with civic departments to move issues forward.DGPS members said the meeting would be followed up with a review session in the last week of June, where progress on the identified issues will be assessed against agreed action points.
