Bapat unhappy with slow speed of the development projects

Bapat unhappy with slow speed of the development projects

Pune: Expressing displeasure about the slow speed of many ongoing developmental projects, newly elected Member of Parliament (MP) of Pune city Girish Bapat warned that action will be taken against civic officials for showing lethargy in their work. Bapat asked civic officials to conduct weekly project review meetings. 

Interestingly, Bapat, then District Guardian Minister of Pune, did not find fault with the way developmental projects were carried out just a month ago. 

Ahead of the monsoon session of Parliament, Bapat called a press conference to discuss developmental projects on Friday. Bapat took a first review meeting with Pune Municipal Corporation officials on Thursday. 

Bapat said, “I am not satisfied with the way the major projects in the city are being carried out. Many projects are progressing at a very slow speed. The PMC will have to prepare weekly progress report of all major projects in the city including 24x7 water supply, Metro rail and Mula-Mutha river rejuvenation. Some PMC officials are doing lethargic work which is affecting development projects.” 

He said strict action needs to be taken against staff members. The instructions concerning this have been given to the PMC. He also said that the commissioner’s office has been asked to prepare a status report of each project. The projects include metro, Bhama Askhed dam and High Capacity Mass Transit Route (HCMRT). Progress has to be monitored on a weekly basis. 

Speaking on the financial model for HCMTR, he said, “State and Union government along with civic body will be giving their share, but citizens will also need to give money for getting better facilities. I don’t see any option right now.” 

Metro station shift 
Rehabilitation of the project affected people in Kasba Peth is yet to be carried out.

A group of residents is not willing to relocate. Bapat termed their stand as `politically motivated.’ “These people were to be shifted to Dadoji Konddev School. A new housing project was to be built there. But due to opposition to this idea, this move is being reconsidered. Instead of constructing rehabilitation project, we will build metro station at Dadoji Konddev School. Study of traffic management will be done to facilitate the change,” he said. 

Nagar Rd metro issue 
He said the issues of realignment of metro route on Nagar Road is being discussed. The option of underground metro is also being explored. But the final call on it is yet to be taken. The issue will be discussed at Lok Sabha committee level. One such committee has been already formed, however it could not complete work as Parliament was dissolved ahead of elections. 

Mandatory helmet rule
On the demand of some of the corporators to give free hand for those riding bikes in by-lanes, Bapat replied that helmet is needed for safety. but it is more useful for rides on highways. It should be made compulsory on  bigger roads, he added. 

Enjoyed reading The Bridge Chronicle?
Your support motivates us to do better. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to stay updated with the latest stories.
You can also read on the go with our Android and iOS mobile app.

Related Stories

No stories found.
logo
The Bridge Chronicle
www.thebridgechronicle.com