Pune: Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has reiterated the Maharashtra government’s commitment to ensuring representation for OBC candidates in local body elections, which have been pending for the past three years. He stated that the government has engaged legal experts to resolve the OBC reservation issue in court and facilitate the elections.
Speaking at an event marking the anniversary of Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), Pawar said that Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy CM Eknath Shinde have already discussed the issue. He assured that necessary legal steps are being taken to ensure that OBC candidates receive fair representation in the electoral process.
Tunnel Road Project from Yerawada to Katraj Gains Momentum
The Yerawada to Katraj tunnel road project has been proposed to ease traffic congestion in Pune. The 12-kilometer-long three-lane tunnel will have multiple entry and exit points to ensure accessibility for local commuters.
Pawar compared the tunnel's construction to the Swargate to Shivajinagar metro corridor, which runs beneath the river, and clarified that the project will not negatively impact tall buildings in the area.
Regarding the Ring Road project, Pawar mentioned that tenders have been floated, and a separate Ring Road under PMRDA is also under consideration. He assured that all measures would be taken to minimize inconvenience to affected residents.
Water Supply Planning for Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad
With Pimpri-Chinchwad’s population expected to surpass Pune’s by 2054, Pawar emphasized the need to plan for its water requirements. The government is exploring using water from Tata’s Mulshi Dam and compensating the power supply through Mahavitaran.
To improve waste management, Pawar stated that Pune Municipal Corporation would be adopting modern waste disposal techniques similar to those in Pimpri-Chinchwad. He also dismissed concerns that river improvement projects could increase flood risks, explaining that the Water Resources Department has confirmed that these projects will actually enhance the river’s capacity to handle water flow.
