Budget bulges more towards Baner, Balewadi, Pashan

The budget presented by Baburao Chandere seems to have put a lot of focus on Baner, Balewadi, Pashan and Aundh areas. While Chandere denied it , many pointed out that this might be a reflection of the ruling Nationalist Congress Party (NCP)'s electoral ambitions, with elections to both the Lok Saba and assembly scheduled next year.

Other than Rs 4 crore for an e-learning school in Baner, and Rs 1.50 crore for construction of a new ward office in Baner, a host of other projects have been earmarked for these areas. The budget has talked of setting aside Rs 4 crore for constructing a water tank near Balewadi sports stadium and Rs 1 crore for laying main water lines from Aundh to Baner. Also Rs 50 lakh has been set aside for a water tank to cater to Aundh, Baner, Someswarwadi and nearby areas and another Rs 1 crore for laying main water pipelines from Aundh-Baner to Someshwarwadi in Pashan.

To develop scientific temper, the budget earmarks Rs 2 crore for setting up a science centre at Baner and Balewadi.

The bigger chunk of the Rs 23.80 crore set aside for construction of grade separators, pedestrian underpasses and flyovers will also go to these areas with the budget talking about five grade separators in Baner. Underpasses would be constructed on Ganeshkhind Road near Kothrud police station, Paud Road, and Karve Road.

Of the five grade separators to be constructed on Baner Road, one is at Balewadi phata which incidentally has a flyover.

Local residents and analysts pointed out that grade separators on Baner Road would lead to more traffic snarls and other problems. Local resident Anupamn Saraph said Baner Road itself has outlived its time and further work on it would only make life more difficult.

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