Pune: Lohegaon Development Boost – Deputy CM Pawar Initiates Water Supply Scheme
Sumit Singh
Lohegaon, 13th February 2024: Maharashtra State Deputy Chief Minister and District Guardian Minister Ajit Pawar inaugurated the foundation stone-laying ceremony for the Lohegaon-Wagholi Equal Water Supply Scheme and the construction of a water tank at Dhanori Survey No. 7.
The event yesterday witnessed the presence of MLA Sunil Tingre, Chetan Tupe, former MLA Rambhau Moze, Municipal Commissioner Vikram Kumar, Additional Commissioner Ravindra Binwade, Pandurang Khese, Satish Mhaske, Swapnil Pathare, and other dignitaries.
Deputy Chief Minister Pawar addressed the gathering, emphasizing the importance of resolving issues in Lohegaon. He suggested that removing the road under the Defence Department from the vicinity could facilitate the expansion of the Pune airport, allowing larger international aircraft to land. Pawar acknowledged the need for adequate space for development projects and assured to address any problems related to site assessment through discussions with the registration department.
Speaking about the water scarcity issue, Pawar noted the significant population growth in Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad due to employment opportunities. He highlighted the plan to construct a tunnel instead of a canal to save water, and efforts to bring water from the Tata Dam for agricultural purposes. The Deputy Chief Minister also mentioned plans to set up Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) to make used sewage water suitable for agriculture.
Pawar announced increased funds for the District Planning Committee to enhance citizen facilities. He addressed traffic congestion in Lohegaon, mentioning the closure of the BRT lane of PMPML and the need for a flyover as a permanent solution. The Deputy Chief Minister assured that the construction of the ring road would alleviate the traffic issue.
Discussing state-wide initiatives, Pawar informed about large-scale recruitment, efforts to create employment opportunities for youth through job fairs, and the development of a new youth policy. He highlighted new employable courses in ITI for the benefit of the youth.
To expedite crucial projects in the state, a project coordination committee has been established, focusing on accelerating initiatives such as metro, ring road, hospitals, ports, and coastal roads. Pawar revealed efforts to use concrete for roads instead of asphalt to enhance durability.
MLA Tingre expressed gratitude for the funds allocated by Deputy Chief Minister Pawar for various development projects. He disclosed that INR 230 crores have been sanctioned for the Lohegaon-Wagholi water supply scheme, and out of total 450 km of distribution pipelines, 230 km of pipelines are in Lohegaon only. Tingre also mentioned ongoing projects, including the final stages of the Lohegaon Sub-District Hospital and approved funds for Lohegaon ITI, with efforts to secure funding for roads and underground sewage channels.
The program witnessed attendance from local public representatives, officials from various departments, and concerned citizens.
