Special Correspondent
Pune : Anger is brewing among the residents of Pune’s upscale Kalyani Nagar locality over the unchecked growth of pubs, bars, and restaurants in the area. On Friday afternoon a large group of residents gathered outside Kumar Kruti Society to stage a peaceful protest demanding immediate action from city authorities.
Residents allege that the surge in commercial nightlife establishments has led to numerous civic issues, including severe parking shortages, double-parking on narrow roads, late-night noise disturbances, and public nuisance. “It has become impossible to live peacefully in our own homes,” said one of the protestors. “Every night feels like a party zone with honking cars, loud music, and drunken brawls.”
According to local residents, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) and the State Excise Department have been granting licenses to new establishments indiscriminately, without consulting or considering the concerns of the people living in the vicinity. They argue that there has been a complete disregard for zoning norms and the area’s primarily residential character.
Despite repeated complaints, petitions, and public meetings, the authorities have failed to act, residents say. “We’ve sent several written complaints to both PMC and the excise department, yet not a single inspection or action has been taken. The situation is worsening every weekend,” said a senior citizen and long-time resident of the area.
Adding to the frustration, during the recently concluded Maharashtra Legislative Assembly session, the issue of Kalyani Nagar’s commercial expansion was raised. However, government representatives reportedly claimed that “residents have no real issues,” a statement residents say is deeply misleading and disconnected from the ground reality.
“Such remarks from elected officials show how out of touch they are with our everyday struggles. The authorities seem more interested in facilitating nightlife businesses than protecting citizens’ rights to live in peace,” said another protestor.
Residents have also pointed out rising incidents of rash driving, drunken behavior, and even minor crimes like chain snatching and property damage linked to late-night crowds, especially on weekends. Families with children and senior citizens are particularly affected, leading many to consider moving out of the once peaceful neighborhood.
The protesting residents have demanded the immediate suspension of further licenses to bars and pubs in the area, noise control enforcement after 10 PM, and strict parking regulations to prevent traffic bottlenecks.
They have warned that if the authorities continue to ignore their demands, they will escalate their protest through legal channels, media campaigns, and city-wide mobilization.
“This is not just about noise or parking. It’s about our right to a dignified and peaceful life,” one resident concluded.
