A day after The Free Press Journal spotlighted the grim situation near Wagholi’s Ivy Estate and residents’ hunger strike, authorities have finally begun work on the long-pending drainage pipeline issue.
The Wagholi Housing Societies Association (WACO), which launched an indefinite hunger strike on June 15, called off the protest late Monday evening after officials initiated groundwork on Ivy Estate Road.
For nearly two years, residents of Ivy Estate have endured the stench and health hazards of untreated sewage water spilling onto public roads. The protest, led by WACO President Anil Mishra, brought together residents, social organizations, and media attention to what had become a year-round public health crisis.
“This is the victory of Wagholikars’ unity,” said Mishra. “We were forced to fight for what should have been a basic civic right. The hunger strike may have ended, but our vigilance will continue.”
Residents had been demanding immediate action from the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) and Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA), who they claim failed to respond despite multiple appeals over two years. The situation worsened with rising cases of vector-borne diseases like dengue and chikungunya, along with the daily disruption of life and plummeting property values in the area.
Residents Say 'We Need Permanent Solutions'
Dr. Piyali Bandyopadhyay, a resident of Ivy Villa Society, expressed cautious optimism, “Work has started, and that’s a relief. But we need permanent solutions. Temporary fixes won’t solve a problem that has taken years to build.”
While the initiation of drainage work marks a turning point, not all residents are convinced it will bring lasting change. Ravi Kumar, another resident, warned, “Let’s be honest; this is just a temporary patch. Since the water has no proper outlet to a river, it’s bound to cause trouble somewhere else down the line.”
WACO has thanked citizens, police officers, farmers, social workers, the media, and the administration for their support in achieving this breakthrough. But many agree this is just the first step. The real test lies in whether the authorities will follow through with a comprehensive drainage plan that ensures Wagholi's residents no longer live in fear of their own streets flooding with sewage.
