Residents of Pune's Elena Society demand urgent repairs amid safety fears

In Pune, India, residents of the Elena Living Society in the NIBM area are raising alarms over severe civic deficiencies, particularly concerning road safety. They express frustration over inadequate street lights, absence of footpaths, and poor road conditions along a 1.5 km stretch spanning from Shoppers Stop to Anandvan 2. Social activist Jaymala Dhankikar has highlighted the area as one prone to drug abuse and criminal activities, exacerbated by broken law and order which further compromises public safety. The lack of infrastructure has made the region increasingly dangerous, especially at night, as residents like Krutika Sarkar report experiences of fear and anxiety when navigating the poorly lit and crowded roads. Additionally, visibility issues have led to a rise in antisocial behaviors, such as drinking in public spaces. Despite residents' efforts to contact local authorities, including the Municipal Electricity Department, progress has been slow. Engineers have stated construction in the area has delayed the installation of necessary street lights. Participants in the community have resorted to using social media platforms to voice their concerns and call for action from the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC). Responses from PMC indicate plans to assess the area and address the failing street light issues but highlight that construction efforts must be completed initially. The situation underscores a pressing need for urgent civic improvements to ensure the safety and security of residents in this area.