Drainage line work in Gultekdi Market Yard yet to begin despite site visits by authorities

Pune: The problem of choked drainage lines overflowing in some areas of Gultekdi Market Yard has continued weeks after joint site visits conducted by PMC and Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC) officials at the end of last month.While a plan had been finalised in April to lay a new pipeline here to resolve this recurring problem, work is yet to begin. Now, it is unlikely that the project will be completed before the monsoon begins around June.Gultekdi Market Yard, one of the state’s largest wholesale markets, witnesses daily footfall of hundreds of visitors, as well as farmers from across the state bringing their produce for sale. Traders here have long been irate about the lack of infrastructure, including poor sanitation facilities, overflowing drains, and absence of regular cleaning and sweeping activities by the civic administration.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 encouraging the spread of mosquitoes. The issue was raised by local traders in April, following which site visits were undertaken by authorities.Santosh Nangare, one of the directors of the APMC, said, “It is sad that the work has not even started yet to resolve the drainage issue.

We have learnt that Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) is expected to sanction funds for the work in the next few days, and a proposal for the same has been initiated. But we still do not know when the work will begin. We are following up on the issue with PMC.”As a short-term measure, PMC has been conducting regular cleaning of drainage lines, but frequent visitors said it is not helping much. They have demanded a permanent solution for better hygiene at the iconic wholesale market.Vijay Shinde, a local trader, emphasised that the APMC and PMC need to work in coordination. “We are ready to offer all necessary support to the authorities, but the administration should take up regular maintenance on priority,” he said.When TOI reached out to an official from PMC’s drainage department, he said, “Funds will be allocated for the drainage line. The proposal is in the process of getting the required approval. Our teams are cleaning the drainage lines on a regular basis till a new one is laid. Some old drainage lines around the Market Yard area have been replaced in the last few months.”