District Collector Issues Warning Over Alleged Financial Misconduct in Pune Ring Road Project
Sumit Singh & Tikam Shekhawat
Pune, 25th March 2024: The Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) has allocated a significant fund of Rs. 10,519 crore in the budget for the proposed Pune ring road project. This allocation, aimed at facilitating land acquisition, marks a crucial step forward in the implementation of the project, particularly the eastern route.
However, amidst progress, concerns regarding financial irregularities during land acquisition have surfaced, prompting District Collector Dr. Suhas Diwase to issue a stern warning to officials involved.
In his first review meeting since assuming office, Dr. Diwase convened with Land Acquisition Officers overseeing the ring road project. Present at the meeting were Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) Additional Collector HV Argunde, Land Acquisition Coordinating Officer Kalyan Pande, Sub Divisional Officer, Tehsildar, among others.
While land acquisition for 31 villages along the western route of the Ring Road has been successfully completed, proceedings for the remaining three villages are ongoing. The eastern route, encompassing villages across Maval, Khed, Haveli, Purandar, and Bhor, faces similar land acquisition processes. Notably, notices have been issued to farmers in Khed taluka regarding land acquisition, prompting various complaints from affected locals.
Amidst these developments, reports of financial impropriety have emerged, casting a shadow over the project’s integrity. With the state government allocating substantial funds for the ring road’s land acquisition, transparency and accountability in the process are paramount. Dr. Diwase emphasized the importance of building trust with affected farmers and urged officials to handle complaints diligently.
