Pune: Chikhali residents have gone on an indefinite strike against PCMC for renting out an open ground in their locality to a National Equestrian Academy. The residents have raised their objections against the decision taken by the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC). They decided to go on protest since they received no positive response from the authorities.The protest is led by resident of the area and Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Rupali Alhat. We have been raising our objections against this academy for the last three months. Despite sending several letters to the municipal commissioner, we have not received any response, due to which we have started this indefinite protest on Tuesday. This is the only ground available for those living in this area, to use, Alhat told TOI. PCMCs apathy towards its residents is alarming, the residents said. Many use this ground daily. Some use it for exercise, others to play sports. Very often, several community events are also organised here. However, PCMC did not consult the residents before taking this decision, Rishikesh, a resident of the area, said. We have been using this ground to play cricket for years. Now suddenly, the municipal corporation has decided to give it to a sports facility. This will affect a large number of people living here, another resident said. The civic body has proposed an alternate land for the residents to use. I have met the residents and informed them that we are ready to give them another land reserved for sports, which is 800m to 850m from the current ground, Mininath Dandwate, deputy municipal commissioner (sports), PCMC, said. But the citizens are protesting, even after this meeting, he added. We also published the following articles recentlyMushrif cancels Ichalkaranji visit amid threats of protest by residentsThe scheduled Ichalkaranji tour of district guardian minister Hasan Mushrif has been cancelled due to protests and opposition to the water supply project. The residents of Ichalkaranji have been upset with Mushrif for opposing the proposed Sulkud water supply project. Mushrif was supposed to visit the IGM Hospital to inaugurate new facilities, but the programme was postponed. The residents are united in their demand for the project and will continue to raise their objections. Mushrif has opposed the project, claiming that Ichalkaranji could get water from Warna Dam instead and that the project would burden farmers in Kolhapur villages.This road is a mess; so are lives of merchants, residentsThe road construction project on the Statue-General Hospital road has caused a significant drop in sales for the employee of the Statue Open Bookstall. The road was dug up for a smart city project without notice to shop owners and residents. The absence of workers, stacked construction materials, debris, and potholes have made the road impassable. The bad road conditions have affected the business of medical shops and a recently opened hotel. The road work is expected to be completed by April next year.Hiranandani Powai residents to move court against mall planResidents of Powais Hiranandani Gardens are planning to move court against the proposed mall in place of Citi Park at Eden Square. Activists and residents are concerned about the massive increase in construction, lack of green cover, peace, and traffic congestion. The mall has clearance from the National Green Tribunal, but the BMCs approval is pending. Most retail stores in Citi Park are shut, and a bankrupt financial institution occupies the upper floor. Residents are calling for unity and engagement with local political leaders to address their concerns.

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