Calls for Accountability and Transparency in Public Service Practices
Pune, India – A recent incident in Wagholi, Kesnand Phata, Bhavadi Rasta, Pune, has ignited controversy as the Pune Samvad Citizens Forum alleges egregious misuse of power by Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL) officials and their workers. The incident, which unfolded on April 10, has raised concerns about transparency and adherence to legal procedures.
The Incident Unveiled:
- An observer returning home witnessed MSEDCL workers cutting tree branches near the sub-station in Wagholi. Upon inquiry about the permission for tree trimming, the workers responded rudely and failed to produce the necessary documentation.
- Seeking clarity, the observer contacted Sandeep Chavhan, the Horticulture Mistry of Nagar Road Ward Office, who explained the procedure for obtaining permission to trim tree branches, emphasizing the requirement for workers to carry permission letters.
Targeting Dissent:
- In a concerning turn of events, an MSEDCL officer, upon learning of the observer’s residence, sent a formal letter to the observer’s society, falsely accusing a resident of obstructing a government servant from their duties.
Demand for Accountability:
- Pune Samvad Citizens Forum, represented by concerned citizens including Ameet Singh, Sathya Natarajan, Rupesh Keskar, Chaitanya Ket, Hema Chari, Vijay Suratkal, and others, issued a letter condemning the abuse of power by public servants.
- The forum demands accountability from MSEDCL, urging strict adherence to procedures outlined by the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) regarding tree trimming permissions.
Clarifying Legal Procedures:
- The forum underscores the necessity for transparency in tree trimming permissions, emphasizing that applicants must apply in writing, accompanied by photos and reasons for tree trimming.
- Highlighting potential environmental consequences, the forum clarifies that excessive permissions for tree trimming can lead to irreversible damage to trees and instances of tree felling under the guise of trimming.
Call to Action:
- Pune Samvad Citizens Forum calls upon MSEDCL to issue a formal warning to the implicated officer and staff, ensuring such acts of intimidation are not repeated.
- Additionally, the forum urges adherence to legal procedures outlined in the Tree Act to safeguard Pune’s urban greenery.
As the incident unfolds, the forum’s stance resonates with broader concerns regarding the responsible exercise of power and the preservation of Pune’s natural environment.
