Citizens Demand PMC To Display Presentation Before Investing Into Any Projects

Mehab Qureshi

Pune, December 15, 2020: A city cannot be built smart without the citizens being informed about the pros and cons of any projects. In this regard, several Puneites and NGOs have written to Pune Municipal Commissioner Vikram Kumar and explain every proposed project. A letter in this regard has been handed over to Kumar as well as District Collector Rajesh Deshmukh on Monday.

“We are a group of NGOs and citizens from various walks of life, working voluntarily on issues related to the well – being of the city and citizens particularly by protecting Environment, Natural Resources and Natural Heritage. We are all aware that the historical and culturally rich city of Pune is blessed with a wonderful climate, with hills all around and five rivers flowing through it. You certainly would not disagree that protecting the Environment and this wonderful Natural Heritage is a part of our culture and responsibility.

After the government declared Pune as one of the “Smart Cities”, the PMC has proposed many developmental and infrastructural projects with a view to improving the present status of Pune. It is a great responsibility not only for the PMC but for all of us to ensure that the Environment, Natural Resources and our priceless Natural, as well as Built Heritage, is flawlessly protected while implementing these projects and policies. It is also a known fact that Pune is one of flood-prone and polluted cities with multiple other problems, about which PMC is well aware”, the letter stated.

Citizens have demanded that interactive PowerPoint presentations Should be made before every planning proposal and the same should be displayed to citizens.

“We need detailed presentation and interactive discussions, which would comprehensively cover environmental, administrative, technical, financial as well as legal aspects of all issues. Accordingly, the PMC can depute knowledgeable officers. We request you to organize this interactive presentation meeting in the next 15 days. Kindly let us know in advance by at least 8 days”, demanded the letter headed by forum chairman Vivek Velankar and environmentalist Sarang Yadavkar.

Velankar said, “PMC is implementing many big projects with our money. These projects include HCMTR, Equal Water Scheme, Riverside Development Project, Mula-Mutha River Improvement Scheme. These schemes are approved by the authorities as an administrative matter as per the rules. They also start his work. However, after that, these plans often remain on paper. Are these plans necessary for the city? Is it going to benefit the citizens? Citizens are not given any idea about this. However, since the funds for these projects are paid by the citizens in the form of taxes, at least for the citizens, the commissioner should present them and know the views of the citizens.”