Housing societies in Pune urge residents not to host get-togethers

PUNE: Housing societies have taken it upon themselves to urge residents not to arrange get-togethers and stay home to protect themselves from the coronavirus as a part of the state’s “Maze Kutumb, Mazi Jababdari” (my family, my responsibility) campaign. The move comes after an appeal by Pune divisional commissioner Saurabh Rao.
“All families living in the society receive broadcast messages to avoid get-togethers at home for some more time. We’ve spent seven months like this and we can hope that the worst is over. We must monitor ourselves for just a few more weeks until things get better, otherwise we will be back to square one. We do not have any Covid-19 cases in the society right now, but until the numbers drop across the city, it is our responsibility to help stop the spread of the virus,” said Wanowrie resident Rahul Agarwal.

A member of a housing society’s management committee in NIBM road area said, “We do our bit by telling residents not to allow outsiders into their homes just yet for their own safety as well as that of other families living in the building. However, we cannot keep an eye on everyone 24X7 or even prohibit guests from entering the society. While most residents understand the need to follow social distancing norms, others feel like things are already back to normal and they can go to their friends’ or relatives’ homes. To set an example, we are holding our society meetings over an online platform.”
Another management committee member of a housing society in Salunkhe Vihar said, “There are many cancer survivors, seniors, and those with heart problems and diabetes living in our society. Even though Unlock 5 has started, we need to be extra careful for their sake. From the beginning of the lockdown, we have been conducting society meetings online. We also arranged the Ganapati aarti online during Ganeshotsav.”
Rupali Naik, a home owner residing at NIBM road, said, “We have had two online society meetings so far, and I feel that it is more efficient than pre-pandemic meetings we used to have in the clubhouse. There is no deviating from the topic at hand and all issues are covered quickly. Society management committees have become more serious about the role they play. They have taken up more responsibilities during the lockdown to make sure that residents are safe and comfortable.”
Pramit Patil, who lives on rent in Salunkhe Vihar, said, “Living with my elderly parents and two children, we have to acknowledge that the pandemic is still on and we have to be as careful as we can. There is the option of virtual get-togethers that has not only become popular but it’s also the need of the hour.”