In a strategic move to address urban challenges and enhance the safety of public spaces, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) is collaborating with the Pune Police to initiate a crackdown on encroachments, unauthorized constructions, and other civic violations within the city.
The collaboration aims to formulate a joint action plan following a meeting between the Commissioners of Pune Municipal Corporation and Pune Police. Nodal officers, including the additional police commissioner of the crime branch and deputy commissioners from both the police and PMC Encroachment Department, have been appointed to oversee the coordination of efforts.
The objective is to curb malpractices, prevent unauthorized constructions, and ensure the safety of municipal employees who often face attacks during such operations. The joint initiative comes in response to instances where police administration did not register cases even in serious matters, hindering the municipal administration’s ability to take necessary action.
Pune Municipal Commissioner Vikram Kumar and former Pune Police Commissioner Retesh Kumaarr convened a meeting at the Police Commissionerate on January 30, addressing various issues in detail. One notable topic discussed was the prevalence of homeless citizens staying roadside in key areas of the city, despite the PMC’s establishment of ‘night shelters’ for them.
To counteract these challenges, the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime Branch) and Deputy Commissioner of PMC Encroachment Department will act as nodal officers, facilitating immediate action against those obstructing PMC’s functions. This includes coordinating manpower during operations and ensuring prompt filing of crimes.
Furthermore, the meeting highlighted the appointment of the Additional Commissioner of Crime Branch as a nodal officer responsible for promptly registering cases related to abuses and assaults on municipal officials and employees. PMC Commissioner Vikram Kumar announced regular review meetings every 15 days to assess and fine-tune the ongoing collaborative efforts.
