Overflowing drainage lines in Market Yard pose challenge; residents & traders demand urgent repairs

Pune: Overflowing drainage lines and flaws in the sewage network in the Gultekdi Market Yard area have posed a challenge to local residents and traders, who are now demanding urgent repairs.Those affected said drain water has been flowing onto internal roads of the wholesale grains and vegetable-fruit market area, not only causing disruptions in loading-unloading of goods but also posing a health challenge and spread of mosquitoes.A delegation of residents and workers from the Market Yard recently approached the Bibvewadi ward office of Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) demanding the necessary repairs. Santosh Nangare, director of the Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC) and leader of the workers' union from Market Yard, who was a part of the delegation, said PMC has responded positively and assured repairs.Nangare said they explained the problems traders are facing because of drainage water to the civic officials. "Gultekdi Market Yard is among the largest wholesale markets in the state, but lacks the most basic infrastructure. There is a persistent problem of garbage handling, and now the drainage issue has cropped up. We want PMC and the Market Yard administration to work in coordination to resolve the issues," he said.Delegation members also said they will follow up on action taken with PMC, failing which an agitation will be held to draw the attention of the authorities.Ajay Bhosale, a local trader from the area, said the lack of proper maintenance has been leading to frequent problems of drainage and stormwater lines. "Chances of mixing of the content of these channels and pipelines cannot be ruled out. There is a need for detailed monitoring and checks. Hundreds of vehicles arrive at the wholesale market every day, including farmers and vehicles from other states. The area must have proper provisions to handle daily waste, adequate drainage and stormwater channels," Bhosale said.Regular visitors to Market Yard said the area lacks hygiene. Suryakant Shitole, who often purchases vegetables here, said cleaning activities must improve. "Many slum pockets are located along Market Yard, from where a significant quantity of garbage gets generated every day. PMC needs to increase its vigil," he said.