Pune: Maharashtra Higher and Technical Education Minister Chandrakant Patil on Tuesday (December 23) proposed the establishment of two separate municipal corporations for Pune city.
Speaking at an interaction program organized by the Pune Working Journalists’ Association, he stated that a single municipal corporation is insufficient to manage the city's expanding political, social, and geographical needs.
Patil argued that the rapid growth of urbanization and population has overwhelmed Pune’s Municipal Corporation, necessitating its division into east and west corporations. "The PMRDA is not a substitute for a municipal corporation, and the city needs immediate action to improve governance," he added.
During the event, which was attended by several newly elected MLAs, including Madhuri Misal, Bhimrao Tapkir, Siddharth Shirole, Chetan Tupe, and Bapu Pathare, discussions focused on Pune’s pressing development issues.
Development Delays Addressed
Patil acknowledged disruptions in Pune's development due to political changes and the pandemic, which affected significant projects like the Equal Water Distribution Scheme and the JICA project. He assured citizens of efforts to resolve these issues and to increase public transportation options before the municipal elections.
Focus on Merged Villages
Minister of State Madhuri Misal highlighted the importance of addressing issues in merged villages and proposed building a major dam in Katraj to resolve water shortages.
Infrastructure and Urban Planning
Bhimrao Tapkir called for resolving land acquisition challenges for major road and metro projects, suggesting alternative approaches like credit notes. He emphasized the need to accelerate the Khadakwasla to Kharadi Metro project and proposed taxing merged villages at gram panchayat rates until their development is complete.
Comprehensive Urban Strategy
Chetan Tupe stressed the importance of a citywide development plan focusing on traffic, water, health, law enforcement, education, and environmental concerns. He also advocated for underground metro routes in the future to avoid disruptions.
Upcoming Infrastructure Projects
Siddharth Shirole announced that the flyover at Acharya Anand Rishiji Chowk would be operational within three months, while the Hinjewadi-Shivajinagar Metro is set to begin service next year.
Riverside Roads and Slum Rehabilitation
Bapu Pathare suggested building a riverside road from Warje to Theur to alleviate traffic congestion and proposed rehabilitating slums on government land for public use.
The program was moderated by Ashwini Jadhav Kedari.