Pune’s Peth areas are currently experiencing significant access issues due to the ongoing Ganesh festival. Large Ganesh pandals are occupying parts of already narrow roads, complicating the movement of residents. Additionally, police presence and traffic diversions have been implemented to manage the influx of festival visitors. As a result, residents are struggling to reach their homes amidst heavy traffic and crowd control measures.
Rekha Joshi (71), a resident of Somwar Peth, said festival road closures have made even routine commutes difficult for senior citizens. Because of old construction, “Peth areas comprise the oldest parts of Pune city — the roads are already narrow. Because of the crowds visiting pandals had further restricted movement, bapat said road closures imposed. Because of the access problems, there have been cases where a family could not even take a dead body out.
Old city area residents said restrictions have also raised concerns over reaching hospitals and availing of emergency services. Diversions mean auto drivers charge more as they have to take longer routes,” she said, adding, “For Peth residents, it has almost become like an unwritten order to stay home and step out only when absolutely necessary. Narayan Peth resident Vidyanand Suhas Bapat said the impact of festival restrictions was particularly difficult in the old city, where roads are already narrow and pandals occupy a significant portion of the available road space. Public transport is affected well before the festival and remains so until the pandals are completely removed,” he said. From the Peth areas towards Sarasbaug, for instance, they have to walk more than a kilometre before they can get vehicular transport,” he said. One such specific incident happened last year,” Bapat said.
They added that with barricading at several points, they are forced to walk long distances while returning from work or for chores. “Residents have to walk considerable distances to find an autorickshaw. The festival pandals take up more than half of the road in several places. “Employees who have to go to work are forced to walk long distances. He also raised concerns over medical emergencies in the densely built-up areas. “In several places, the roads are not wide enough for an ambulance to enter.