Pune, Maharashtra – January 16, 2024: Deputy Chief Minister and Guardian Minister of Pune, Ajit Pawar, recently called for stringent action against rooftop bars and hotels in the city. However, conflicting statements from administrative departments have left citizens questioning the transparency and authenticity of the proposed crackdown.
In a meeting between the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister in Mumbai, discussions centered around taking decisive measures against rooftop hotels in Pune. Pawar recommended the formation of a committee to address the issue, but discrepancies have emerged regarding the notices issued to 26 rooftop hotels in the city.
The Municipal Corporation’s Construction Department initially claimed that the Collector’s Office had issued notices to the identified establishments. However, delays and conflicting responses regarding the list of hotels and copies of the notices have fueled suspicions of potential collusion between hotel owners and the administration.
Despite the Guardian Minister’s directive to form a committee for action, no such committee has been appointed so far. The confusion escalated when Municipal Commissioner Vikram Kumar assured resolution through the committee but conflicting statements from Engineer Yogendra Sonawane and the Collector’s office added to the complexity.
Engineer Yogendra Sonawane initially promised to provide the list in a few days but later stated that the construction department did not possess it, directing inquiries to the Collector’s office. In response, the Collector’s office denied issuing any notices, shifting the responsibility back to the Municipal Corporation’s construction department.
The conflicting statements and lack of clarity have raised questions about the authenticity of the notices and coordination between administrative departments. Rooftop hotels have previously faced scrutiny for potential safety hazards and illegality, prompting concerns about law and order issues, incidents around these venues, and the authorities’ responsibility in case of accidents or untoward events.
As citizens demand transparency and clarity on the actions taken against rooftop hotels, the controversy emphasizes the need for a coordinated and accountable approach from authorities to address concerns surrounding these establishments.
