MLA Bapusaheb Pathare Begins Fast to Awaken the Slumbering Municipal Administration for Completion of 300-Meter Road via Forest Park and Gothan Odha Route
PMC Acknowlegdes; Work Begins but Pathare Refuses to Withdraw Fast Until Completion
Lohegaon, Pune: In a determined effort to complete the long-pending 300-meter road connecting Forest Park and Gothan Odha route to the Lohegaon-Wagholi main road, MLA of Vadgaon Sheri, Bapusaheb Pathare, has initiated an indefinite fast at the site of the incomplete stretch. Despite repeated demands over the past 8–10 years, the road remained neglected. The incomplete road has caused daily hardship to residents, school children, senior citizens, and even ambulances. The condition had worsened to the point where people suffered serious injuries due to potholes and poor surface a direct consequence of administrative inaction, said MLA Pathare.
On May 2nd, at 8:30 AM, Pathare began his indefinite fast at the site itself, which sparked widespread local support. Many citizens and local volunteers came forward in solidarity.
While slamming the civic authorities, Pathare remarked, “For the last 8–10 years, PMC officials have refused to take this road seriously. Even though the landowner is cooperative, the administration has delayed the survey, paperwork, and execution. Because the DP (Development Plan) roads are not connected, traffic congestion and accidents are frequentbut PMC continues to ignore the issue. Officials only offer vague assurances like ‘we’ll see’, ‘we’ll do it’, but lack real intent.” He further clarified that his fast is a fight for people’s rights, devoid of any political motives.
Within hours of the protest, Deputy Commissioner of PMC Circle 1 Rajendra Jagtap, Executive Engineer of the Construction Department Rajesh Bhutkar, Road Department Executive Engineer Sanjay Dharav, and other officials rushed to the spot. Following on-site inspection, initial work was started.
However, Pathare made it clear: “Symbolic beginnings or mere inspections aren’t enough. Unless the road is fully completed, asphalted, and walkable for residents, I will not call off my indefinite fast.”
His protest has raised serious questions about the functioning of the PMC. It is unfortunate that even in a fast-developing area like Vadgaon Sheri, public representatives are forced to protest for basic infrastructure. However, the protest also highlighted that citizens’ voices do get heard when someone fights on their behalf. The incident has reaffirmed that Vadgaon Sheri has a representative who is willing to go to great lengths to ensure development. While the road work has begun, the entire constituency now watches closely to see if it will be completed on time
