Pune group to take up city's woes at all levels

Noting that the rapid growth of the IT industry in the city has resulted in enormous strain on the city's infrastructure including land and water, besides leading to degradation of the city's environment, Phatak said: "Eventually, this would result in worsening of the quality of life for citizens and also a possible loss of new investments for the city."

The group's strategy in solving the city's woes is simple, "Take it up at all levels "" municipal, political by involving corporators and masses by creating awareness," says Phatak.

Since its formation in August 2005, Seapsocial has been focusing upon the traffic and transportation issue, for which it has partnered with Pune Traffic and Transport Forum (PTTF), a city-based NGO.

Besides also contributing to a paper presentation made by PMC officials to the Ministry of Urban Development's Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission, in which 60-70 cities have participated for fund allocations from the centre.

Taking pride in the recent commissioning of the pilot from Hadapsar to Swargat for Bus Rapid Transport (BRT), a dedicated bus lane, akin to the system used in Bogota, Columbia and Curitiba, Brazil, Phatak says, "We have been recommending the BRT to PMC officials as it is cheaper than the metro and 70-80 per cent as effective."

The committee is gearing up for a massive mobile exhibition in June, wherein it will target 10,000-20,000 youth to create awareness.

"Our objective is to force local leaders to take a stand on these issues by making them an election issue," said Phatak.