Pune Cantt, also known as Camp, is a military cantonment located in the city of Pune, India. It was established in 1817 for accommodating troops of the Indian Army. The cantonment houses many military establishments. It is also known for its shopping locations, MG Road and East Street. The headquarters of Indian Army's Southern Command is located in Pune Cantonment. The National War Memorial Southern Command which commemorates the sacrifice of soldiers of the Indian Armed Forces is also situated in the cantonment.
History
The British Indian Army already had a small encampment west of the Mula River in Khadki. As more troops were required to be accommodated, a larger area was occupied to the west of the Mutha River, leading to the establishment of the Pune Cantonment in 1817[3] for accommodating troops of the British Indian Army. The villages of Mali, Munjeri, Wanowrie and Ghorpuri (Ghorpadi) were selected for this purpose.[4] Initially, a garrison for 4,620 troops was planned for the cantonment. This included two European regiments, a mountain battery, a native cavalry and three native regiments.[3] A central belt of 130 acres (0.53km2) was designated for training and drills. The firing ranges were located at Golibar Maidan.[3] Soon a large number of civilians began settling in the area. This was encouraged since civilians provided services to troops garrisoned in the cantonment.
The limits of the cantonment were extended in 1822. In 1963, Ghorpuri village (Ghorpadi) and Fatima Nagar were merged into the cantonment area. The limit of the cantonment was again extended in the same year when Mundhwa village was included in the cantonment.
The Pune Cantonment Board is responsible for the civic administration of the cantonment. Pune Cantonment is not a part of Pune Municipal Corporation, instead, the Chairman, Cantonment Board is the head of the civic administration within the Cantonment Board area. The Lashkar Police Station is responsible for maintaining law and order in Pune Cantonment.[6] The cantonment comes under Zone II of the Pune Police.
The Pune Cantonment Board runs one ITI college, three high schools and six primary schools in the cantonment area.[8] In addition to these, there are many other private schools and colleges in Pune Cantonment. The Armed Forces Medical College, a prominent landmark, is also located here. Azam Campus is one of the biggest college campuses in the cantonment area for students, with more than eight colleges like dental, business, hotel management, pharmacy, senior college, junior college for girls and 5 schools.
Health
The Pune Cantonment Board runs the Cantonment General Hospital,[9] a 100 bedded hospital on the Solapur Road. It also runs 3 dispensaries in the Cantonment. A military hospital is also located in the cantonment. Additionally, Ruby Hall Clinic, Jehangir Hospital (both privately operated) and the Sassoon Hospital (state operated) are located in the vicinity of the cantonment.
