Pune: PCMC marks World Environment Day with ‘Walk with Commissioner’ at Atal Bihari Vajpayee Garden
Pimpri, 5th June 2025: To mark World Environment Day, the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) organised a special ‘Walk with Commissioner’ initiative at Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee Garden in Purnanagar. Commissioner Shekhar Singh led the event, engaging with citizens on environmental issues, civic challenges, and sustainable urban practices. He appealed to residents to actively participate in ongoing initiatives like the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), aimed at tackling air pollution and improving the city’s air quality.
The event commenced with a tree plantation drive, followed by an interactive walk through the garden during which the Commissioner listened to citizens’ feedback and suggestions. Several concerns were raised, including the need for online booking for garden entry, improved parking facilities during weekends, and better amenities for senior citizens and women. Commissioner Singh assured prompt action on the inputs and emphasised the administration’s commitment to addressing genuine civic concerns.
Speaking at the event, Commissioner Singh said, “Pimpri Chinchwad is expanding rapidly, and so is the number of vehicles on the road. The city now has about 95 vehicles for every 100 people. This significantly impacts air quality. To address this, PCMC has launched the GRAP, which lays out a structured approach for monitoring air quality and implementing timely corrective actions. Citizens’ cooperation is key to making this plan successful.”
He also urged residents to adopt sustainable transport practices such as using public transport and the metro system to reduce emissions. Singh further added that several activities will be implemented under GRAP until a marked improvement is seen in the city’s Air Quality Index (AQI), and that citizen participation would play a critical role in that process.
The walk also witnessed meaningful engagement with children. A nine-year-old participant, Avneesh Bhimrao Tanga, requested space near the garden to practise archery. Commissioner Singh interacted warmly with the young boy, inquiring about his interest in the sport and instructed officials to explore the feasibility of providing such a space nearby.
Responding to suggestions raised during the walk, Singh said that the demand to convert the existing food stall space in the garden into a senior citizens’ recreation centre and a yoga facility for women would be positively considered.
Senior PCMC officials including Additional Commissioner Pradip Jambhale Patil, Chief Engineer Sanjay Kulkarni, Deputy Commissioner Anna Bodade, Assistant Commissioner Umesh Dhakane, Executive Engineer Harvindsingh Bansal, and Garden Superintendent Rajesh Vasave were present. The event was also attended by former Corporator Yogita Nagargoje and local residents including Shailesh More, Sunil Kadam, Vijay Ghodke, Shrikrishna Kashid, and representatives from various civic organisations and NGOs.
Citizens appreciated the opportunity to directly engage with the Commissioner. “It felt like talking to a member of our own family,” remarked one attendee. Others noted that the session gave them a clearer understanding of PCMC’s long-term environmental vision and the Commissioner’s commitment to inclusive urban development.
As part of PCMC’s ongoing citizen engagement, Commissioner Singh also highlighted the ‘PCMC @ 50’ vision campaign. With Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation approaching its 50th anniversary in 2032, a large-scale public survey is being conducted through trained members of self-help groups (SHGs) to gather inputs on the future of the city. Citizens can also participate through the official PCMC website. Singh urged residents to contribute to this visioning exercise to help shape a better future for Pimpri Chinchwad.
Deputy Commissioner Anna Bodade delivered the welcome address, while former Corporator Yogita Nagargoje offered the vote of thanks.
