‘PMC Warriors' in Pune's Kharadi coordinate with civic body to kick-start community garden for their area
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Pune: The lack of civic body-provided green spaces in their rapidly developing area finally pushed a group of Kharadi residents over the edge, right into direct action.
This self-named group of 'PMC Warriors' is working with Pune Municipal Corporation hands-on, in a bid to kick-start a long-pending community garden in the locality.
Group members said they were frustrated that despite several empty plots being available in the neighbourhood, they were unused as gardens or parks due to administrative apathy.
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To remedy this situation, 10 Kharadi residents began coordinating not just with but also between civic departments. Their goal was to get one such plot near the riverfront road and Nyati Elysia society converted into a community garden, after lying vacant for five years.
"When we initially checked with the garden department, we were told the land had not been handed over to them, so they could not initiate any work. Next, we checked with the landowner to see if the plot had been handed over to the estate and management department. He confirmed that he had handed over the land deed. We then began coordinating with the latter department to get an explanation for the delay," said Jayesh Maduskar, one of the founding members of PMC Warriors.
"After we got more information, we requested the estate and management department officials to fast-track the land handover to the garden department. It took 15 days to get that done. Thereafter, we worked with garden department officials to start actual work on the plot. This entire process took about three months," added.
The residents initiated formal applications and powered through constant follow-ups and multiple meetings with PMC officials.
Finally, some work on the community garden project commenced on July 31 this year, residents said.
Another founding member PMC Warriors, Vrishali Sanap, told TOI, "Administrative delays and unfulfilled promises kept land vacant for half a decade, even though it was reserved for a community garden. Several residents had reached out to the landowner and local political leaders in the past, but the project remained mired in red tape and inaction."
"Since I moved to the area two years ago, I've watched this plot from my balcony and dreamt of seeing it transformed into a beautiful garden. There's nothing better than seeing people of all ages connecting with nature. We are glad that this will finally be a reality for us," Sanap added.
According to the area residents, this success is a symbol of what citizens can achieve when united by purpose and guided by action.
"An educated taxpayer, armed with the knowledge of their rights and a slightly selfless attitude, can get something done if the authorities are lax," pointed out Maduskar.
For an area severely lacking community spaces, this project's commencement has come as a welcome change, said residents.
Software engineer and Kharadi resident Akash Thawait said, "There are no places here for us to socialise as a community. This garden will not just be good for senior citizens, who will have a place for walks or some fresh air, but also for children, who currently have no place to play. We will all benefit from it."
When contacted by TOI for comment, the PMC garden department's junior engineer Supriya Adhav said, "The project was not part of this year's budget. So, work will not start on it immediately. However, for now, we will do some tree plantations here with the help of the horticulture department. Like most community gardens, this one will also have space for children's play equipment and an open gym, among other things."
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