Amidst efforts to bolster the development of fringe villages merged with the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), nine members from the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) have been integrated into a key committee designated by the state government. This move aims to address longstanding infrastructure deficiencies and accelerate progress in these newly incorporated areas.
Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, also the Pune district guardian minister, orchestrated the inclusion of these NCP members during the ongoing Lok Sabha polls. The committee’s focus lies in reviewing and enhancing essential amenities and infrastructure across the 34 villages amalgamated with the PMC.
The recent order issued by Priyanka Kulkarni, Deputy Secretary of the Urban Development Department, formally introduced the nine new members, strategically chosen to represent various merged villages. Among them are notable figures like Bhagwan Bhadale, recognized for his advocacy regarding the Devachi Uruli garbage depot.
Bhadale expressed his optimism regarding the government’s initiative, emphasizing the urgency of addressing the pressing needs of residents within the merged villages. Issues ranging from inadequate road networks to insufficient water and drainage systems demand immediate attention.
New Members: Pandurang Khese (Lohegaon, Wagholi); Baburao Chandere (Sus, Mahalunge, Bavdhan); Dattatray Dhankawade (Narhe, Shivane, Uttam Nagar, Dhayari); Rakesh Kamthe (Undri, Pisoli, Vadachi Wadi); Bhagwan Bhadale (Mantarwadi, Devachi Uruli); Shantaram Katke (Katke Wadi, Wagholi); Ganesh Dhore (Dhore Vasti, Fursungi, Bhekrai Nagar); Rahul Pokale (Dhayari, Pune); and Ajit Ghule (Manjari Budruk, Haveli, Pune).
The committee, chaired by the Divisional Commissioner, comprises a total of 18 members. Its establishment underscores the government’s commitment to rectifying existing infrastructural deficiencies post-merger, a process ongoing for over two years.
Notably, these merged villages fall within the parliamentary constituencies of Baramati and Shirur, pivotal areas for the NCP in the upcoming elections. As such, the party’s involvement in the committee signals a strategic alignment of developmental objectives with political interests.
The merger of these villages occurred in two phases, with 11 villages integrated in 2017 and an additional 23 in 2021. Despite this consolidation, the lack of essential amenities persists, underscoring the urgency for concerted efforts towards holistic development.
With the appointment of these NCP members, stakeholders anticipate a more focused and inclusive approach towards addressing the multifaceted challenges plaguing the merged villages. The move reflects a collaborative endeavor between the government and political entities to prioritize the welfare and development of these communities.
