Civic body sits on report on shaky old wadas

1,172 wadas identified as dangerous, but with PMC having done precious little in 2 yrs, threat of collapse looms large in rains

Civic body sits on report on shaky old wadas

1,172 wadas identified as dangerous, but with PMC having done precious little in 2 yrs, threat of collapse looms large in rains

After slum rehabilitation in the city, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) would have done well to take up the revival or demolition of dangerous wadas in the old part of the city as these pose a threat to life and limb every monsoon. But instead of a comprehensive project on the rehabilitation of the wadas, the PMC has been sitting on a report submitted by a structural engineering consultant firm for two years. According to the report made under the guidance of Vivek Kharwadkar, Deputy City Engineer, PMC, the civic body could demolish only 30 old wadas. The city has over 2,000 wadas which pose a threat in the monsoon and summer days. Wadas often collapse after the first and second spell of heavy rainfall, and this is a major concern for residents as it poses a direct threat to the lives and property of the tenants. "We have identified 1,172 wadas in the city which are absolutely in a dangerous condition and served notices to each wada owner before the monsoon," Kharwadkar said.

On the verge of collapse: A dilapidated wada in Shukrawar Peth.
Pic/Vivek Sabnis

Joint development
Former corporator Gopal Tiwari said there just serving notices to these wadas was of no use and the PMC should adopt a policy for the development of these wadas. "Veteran architect Vikas Bhandari has submitted the plan of rehabilitation of wadas, especially from Kasba Peth in Pune, long ago. He has suggested joint development of the wadas by providing additional FSI to the owner and tenants for planned development in the city. Nothing has happened till date," he said. In the summer fires occur in wadas, while in the rains these come crashing down. Just last week, a person died and two were injured at the Waghulkar Wada in Budhwar Peth. "The PMC has not yet woken up despite the first wada collapse in the monsoon," said Yogesh Bhole, a nearby resident. Often, there is a dispute between the wada owners and tenants over repairs. "We get very less monthly rent from the tenants and it is difficult for us to undertake repair works," said Ashok Gore, a wada owner in Narayan Peth.

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Chief Fire Officer Prashant Ranpise said monsoon was the worst season for the fire brigade as they had to reach the problem areas in time in spite of the several hurdles that the monsoon throws up. "We have a list of hazardous wadas in the city and our staff has to be alert 24 hours to meet any eventualities in the rains," he said. "We are trying to keep in touch with many wada owners and tenants to impart proper training to escape the wadas in case the worst happens."

Dilapidated wadas
Shukrawar Peth: 458
Kasba and Budhwar Peth: 380
Rasta Peth: 242
Raviwar Peth: 154
Nana, Bhawani, Guruwar, Ganesh and Ghorpadi Peth: 90
Shaniwar Peth: 32
Sadashiv Peth: 17