Pune: Funds Meant For Newly Merged Villages In PMC Diverted To Baner, Balewadi

Pune, 28th December 2024: A significant portion of the funds allocated in the 2024-25 budget for essential infrastructure projects in the newly included villages of Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has been diverted to affluent areas like Baner, Balewadi, and Sus. The diversion of Rs 38.50 crore, originally earmarked for water supply and road improvement projects in underdeveloped villages, has raised concerns about the impact on less developed regions.

In the budget, a provision of Rs 10 crore was made to prepare a master plan for the water supply in the 32 villages newly added to PMC’s limits. Along with this, Rs 18.50 crore was allocated for the asphalting of roads in various parts of the city, particularly in these villages. While a water supply plan has already been implemented in the villages of Sus, Mhalunge, Lohgaon, and Wagholi, work in other villages like Khadakwasla, Dhayari, Narhe, Mangdewadi, Bhilarewadi, and Ambegaon is yet to commence. These areas are facing severe water scarcity and poor road conditions, and the need for improvement is urgent.

However, the provision meant to address these issues has been diverted to Baner, Balewadi, and Sus, where influential local leaders applied pressure for special allocations. As a result, the Water Supply and Roads Department has allocated Rs 38.50 crore for projects like sewage channel replacement, road asphalting, and pothole filling in these areas.

This shift in funding priorities has drawn criticism from residents of the less developed areas, who feel that their needs are being neglected in favor of well-developed regions. “The situation in our villages is worsening. While Baner and Balewadi already have good infrastructure, we are still struggling with basic needs like drinking water and proper roads,” said a resident from Mangdewadi, requesting anonymity.

When asked about the reallocation of funds, Pune Municipal Commissioner Dr. Rajendra Bhosale explained, “The representatives from these areas visited and emphasized the immediate need for these funds. They argued that infrastructure in these areas requires urgent attention, and based on their request, the funds were reclassified.”

Dr. Bhosale assured that the use of these funds would be closely monitored to ensure that they are spent appropriately and that the works funded are completed as per the plan.