Pune, 10th July 2023: In response to concerns raised by elected members from various political parties regarding pending infrastructure projects in merged areas, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has formed a 12-member committee. The primary aim of this committee is to enhance coordination, prioritize pending projects, and expedite their completion. The establishment of this committee comes after a notification issued by the state government in June, granting the committee special monitoring powers over civic work in the merged areas.
Vikram Kumar, Administrator of Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), explained the committee’s role, stating, “The committee members will conduct a comprehensive assessment of the infrastructure work in these areas. Based on their suggestions and objections, we will prioritize and carry out the pending projects and other necessary work.”
According to the notification from the Urban Development Department, the committee will be chaired by the Divisional Commissioner and will review the allocation of funds and financial requirements for projects in the 34 merged areas. Each committee member will be assigned responsibility for overseeing two to three specific merged areas. Former elected members, including ex-corporators, from the respective areas will also be part of this panel. These former members have raised concerns about inadequate water supply, lack of basic infrastructure such as roads, improper garbage disposal, and insufficient drainage and sewage treatment in the merged areas. They have also demanded increased funding for the development of these areas and expressed their concerns in a letter to the Chief Minister’s office, which prompted the formation of the committee.
However, certain activists have raised objections to the establishment of this panel, alleging that the authorities did not follow the proper process for its formation and claiming that the current setup of the civic body lacks legal backing.
PMC authorities, on the other hand, have clarified that the state government directed the formation of this committee as a special measure to address the specific challenges faced in the merged areas. They emphasized that the committee’s primary objective is to streamline coordination and accelerate the completion of pending projects, ensuring the efficient development of these regions.
The committee is expected to play a crucial role in addressing the infrastructural needs of the merged areas and enabling effective decision-making to enhance the overall development and well-being of the residents. With improved coordination and focused efforts, the PMC aims to expedite the completion of pending projects and deliver essential infrastructure to the merged areas, thereby improving the quality of life for its residents.
