Chikhali, Pimpri-Chinchwad, 27th January 2024: The ongoing dispute between housing societies and the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) has intensified as the Chikhali-Moshi-Charholi-Pimpri-Chinchwad Society Federation rallies against the municipality’s move to appoint a private consultant for Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) implementation and monitoring.
PCMC recently mandated housing societies to maintain operational STPs for environmental conservation, water savings, and public health. However, the federation alleges that some societies have non-functional STPs, prompting objections to the PCMC’s decision to hire an external consultant. The focus of concern revolves around the transparency of PCMC’s administration in managing the operational status of STPs in housing societies.
Despite the PCMC administration’s previous inspections of wastewater treatment plants in major institutions, with some reporting STP closures, the federation questions the necessity of a private consultant. They argue that PCMC’s existing staff in the Environment Department and related offices are already engaged in STP monitoring, rendering the appointment redundant.
Sanjivan Sangale, President of the Chikhali-Moshi-Charholi-Pimpri Chinchwad Housing Society Federation, issued a warning to PCMC, urging the cancellation of the ongoing tender process for STP work. Sangale emphasized that the current staff could handle the responsibilities effectively and warned of a large-scale agitation if appropriate action is not taken.
Criticism was directed at PCMC Commissioner and Administrator Shekhar Singh, accusing them of leniency towards consultants and urging restraint on unnecessary spending. The federation strongly opposes hiring consultants from private organizations for STP-related matters and threatens widespread agitation if such an appointment proceeds. The demand remains for transparency and efficient use of taxpayer funds in addressing concerns related to STP operations in housing societies.
