Liveability declines in Pune’s Kothrud, one of Asia’s fastest developing suburbs

More than a decade ago, the Guinness Book Of World Records named Kothrud as one of the fastest developing suburbs in Asia. Since then a lot has changed. Despite the area's political prominence, poor planning has led to a surge in traffic, encroachment and environmental degradation. Gangs and petty theft have now also become a prominent issue.
Surge in criminal activities across colonies has left many feeling unsafe
For 82-year-old Prakash Kelkar, venturing out of his home in Kothrud's Happy Colony has become a daunting task. Having lived in the area for 30-odd years now, the senior citizen has witnessed a disturbing surge in criminal activities like gang violence and thefts.
The presence of numerous vacant homes in the neighbourhood, abandoned by owners who have moved away, has created an environment conducive to crime, he said.
Theft in the area extends beyond homes, with thieves frequently targeting vehicles by stealing fuel, and also snatching chains under the cover of darkness.
"We feel helpless. When we try to confront the perpetrators, they retaliate with violence, abuse or even weapons. My wife has to remove her jewellery before going for a walk to avoid attracting unwanted attention. We're paralysed by fear, unsure of how to handle the situation. It's disheartening that despite being a political hub, no one addresses our concerns," he said.
Kelkar's neighbour was robbed three months ago, which he claimed is part of a disturbing pattern. "The police are aware of the perpetrators but seem reluctant to take action. I've never seen them patrol our area. Violence, gang activity and even sickle brandishing have become a daily reality for Kothrud residents, all the way up to Warje Jakat Naka," he said.
The recent attack on 33-year-old Devendra Jog working at the office of Pune MP Murlidhar Mohol, allegedly by Gajanan Marne, sent shock waves in the locality and beyond.
The death of a young man in Shastrinagar also sparked widespread concern among the residents, who have been demanding accountability from the police regarding safety.
Alarmed by the turn of events, residents have put up a flex in the area, which reads, "Who is shielding the criminals and funding their activities? Is there political pressure on the police? Why is action not being taken against illegal banners promoting criminals? Who is responsible for the rising incidents of thefts, murders, and extortion?"
Another resident, on condition of anonymity, said, "Areas near Sutardhara are most prone to crime. Even if not reported daily, petty thefts and street crimes have become regular."
Resident Ranjeet Rane told TOI, "There should be regular and visible patrolling by the police. Also, the civic administration must install enough streetlights and other infra that would deter anti-social elements."
Pollution & traffic reach suffocating levels
The residents of Kothrud are increasingly frustrated with the deteriorating traffic situation, particularly on thoroughfares like Karve Road and those connecting to Vanaz and Paud Road. Infrastructure challenges, such as the notorious Chandni Chowk intersection and Karve Road corridor, have become a daily ordeal as well.
Besides, the absence of pedestrian crossings at major junctions poses significant safety risks, further exacerbating concerns.
A resident, who wished to remain anonymous, said the high volume of heavy vehicles on Paud Road is a major issue. "It is challenging to breathe when standing amid traffic because of the extreme pollution. Dust also enters our homes, causing significant respiratory issues. Construction activities generate constant dust, which worsens during summer when large vehicles pass through," the resident said.
Redevelopment in the area is also at an all-time high. "Almost every lane has a new construction underway. Stepping out without a mask is a challenge. Heavy vehicles leaving these sites are never cleaned and so, they leave behind them a trail of dust. This is risky for those on two-wheelers," Mohena Suve, a student, said.
Accidents are a common occurrence in the area, especially in Bhusari Colony, where minor mishaps happen daily and major ones almost every month.
Resident Makarand Shete expressed frustration over the chaotic traffic situation between Chandni Chowk and Dashbhuja temple. "There is no traffic discipline and police presence," he said, highlighting the need for constant surveillance and a platform to file complaints with the Regional Transport Office (RTO)."
Encroachers thrive as civic authorities turn a blind eye
Kothrud's streets are overrun with illegal stalls, taking over footpaths and roads, and causing chaos. Tea stalls and kiosks encroach on footpaths near Jog School, Mayur Colony and MIT Road, forcing pedestrians onto busy roads. Even narrow 9-metre roads are clogged with parked stalls.
To make matters worse, permanent shops have installed removable metal structures that extend on to footpaths, reducing walking space. Mobile vendors, including phone cover stalls, paan shops, and fruit-vegetable sellers, add to the congestion.
Businessman Kapil Gandhi, a resident of Kothrud, said: "Even authorized shops have illegally allocated their front margins to kiosks and tea stalls, particularly near Jog School, Mayur Colony, and MIT Road. These stalls often spill onto the footpaths, rendering them nearly unusable. As a result, residents are forced to risk their safety by walking on the roads. Hundreds of students park their vehicles in front of these stalls, frequently occupying entire roads."
The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) recently conducted an anti-encroachment drive near MIT College Road. But all the encroachers have come back, residents lamented.
Illegal flexes and banners have become a nuisance throughout Kothrud, not only being an eyesore but also posing a significant threat to pedestrian safety.
"Many banners are put up on the footpaths at a very low height, hampering pedestrian movement. In some cases, they are too big and eat into substantial road space, obstructing traffic. We have lodged more than 100 complaints against these hoardings, but to no avail," said Sandeep Bhadkamkar, a member of a citizens' forum for ward 11 in Kothrud.
IT engineer Sandip Modhe who travels through the area while on his way to work said, "Banners are a huge problem if you are riding near the median as they can fall any minute. On the left side, stalls take up an entire lane. At select spots where stalls are on footpaths as well as on the road, pedestrians are forced onto the road and they take up another lane.
"However, if there is an accident, it will be the motorist who will get blamed for it," he added.
Crumbling infra, lack of facilities plague locality
Kothrud residents are struggling with crumbling infrastructure, including potholed roads and waterlogged streets during rainy season.
The absence of vital public amenities, such as parks, open spaces and govt hospitals, has exacerbated the situation, underscoring the need for immediate action to address these pressing concerns.
Bhusari Colony resident Ranjeet Rane said, "The absence of infrastructure mapping to accommodate growth over time has led to the deplorable state of our neighbourhood. Did the civic body even consider the region's condition when granting building permissions for the next phase of redevelopment?"
Residents are sounding the alarm on several long-standing issues, including inadequate stormwater drainage, insufficient water supply and relentless construction activity. Many rely solely on water tankers to meet their daily needs.
Rupesh Sarode, a resident of Paramhansnagar, wryly said, "We don't get water in the taps in our homes, but there's plenty on the streets every monsoon."
Furthermore, the area's public transportation system has failed to keep pace, with weakened bus connectivity driving residents to rely on private vehicles, exacerbating traffic congestion in the area.
Retired banker Leena R, who used to live in the area before she moved to Bavdhan a couple of years ago, said, "I am glad I moved when I did. On days when I visit Kothrud, I feel like I am participating in an obstacle race. There is either a broken chamber to navigate or a lonely dark stretch to travel through. Dodging heavy vehicles is another task. Even sections where Metro stations are built there is no proper lighting. What is the point of building good infrastruture when authorities can't look after it?"
Failure of waste management raises a stink in neighbourhood
The weakening infrastructure in Kothrud has given more space to accumulating piles of trash in every nook and corner, say residents.
While older roads are littered with plastic bags, hotel waste, household garbage and even unused furniture and packaging material, Kothrud depot poses a larger problem of stench and hygiene-health issues for locals and commuters passing the area.
"The sludge from accumulated garbage trails onto the road in front of the depot, causing skids and accidents. It raises a horrific stink, which is intolerable. The spot is also a mosquito-breeding ground and highly unsafe to live around. Large vans dropping off trash drop it all along the road. How can residents live like this?" said local Makarand Shete.
A few residents also blamed the garbage issue on encroachments and rising roadside vendor systems. "Encroachments near colleges are a pedestrian menace and also result in heavy littering nearby. It is extremely unsanitary," said Shriskrishan Nabare, a resident.
Similarly, older bylanes of Kothrud have for long been plagued by garbage menace. "This has been a long-standing problem for us. The civic collection system is still not working efficiently, so people use the roads to dump household waste. PMC vans don't come to every nook and cranny of the neighbourhood. It also leads to a rise in mosquito-borne diseases," said Ruturaj D, another resident.
Officials Say
Kothrud is a considerably safe area. We keep a tab on recurring crimes and visit the areas too. Our Damini Squad members visit schools and hold sessions on safety, violence and awareness. We are taking all possible steps to arrest criminal activities in the area —Sandeep Deshmane | Senior Inspector, Kothrud Police Station
____________________________
To tackle long-standing issues of garbage, crime and encroachment, we've launched a comprehensive drive focusing on 30 identified hotspots. We will install solar powered CCTV cameras at these locations. We are also identifying and beautifying chronic garbage points. When it comes to encroachments, regular drives are conducted to remove them with the help of residents. We have also formed a team of inspectors with police officers to reduce forest fires —Vijay Naikal | Kothrud-Bavdhan Ward Officer & Assistant Municipal Commissioner, PMC