Former civic chief Kunal Kumar refutes charges

Pune: Former municipal commissioner Kunal Kumar, who is currently serving as the Mission Director of Smart Cities at the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs at the Centre, denied the allegations made by the Shrinath Bhimale. 

Speaking exclusively to Sakal Times, he said, “I made certain decisions focusing on the development of Pune. When such decisions are made, they may not please all. Some people got hurt due to the hard decisions taken at that time. However, they were made with the sole intention of a better future for the city. Only a strong leadership can decide such things, which is currently lacking in Pune. Now, these people are making allegations, which is not appropriate.” 

“Political and administrative will is needed to develop the city. I am confident that Pune has potential and will be developed on the lines Dubai is developed, not in terms of high-rises but economic growth and development of infrastructure and other facilities, in the next 15 years. Pune needs a solid leadership that takes firm decisions,” he insisted.

“Since such development-related decisions, including the 24x7 water project, have been made, these people should focus on their implementation. They are instead making baseless allegations. They should concentrate on the future of the city. The parking policy is a must for the city, which was formulated during my stint in the PMC. This policy will show results after a few years. I know there were differences. However, the political and administrative leadership should support the policy and implement it,” Kumar emphasised.

Justifying the decisions made during his tenure, Kumar said, “Now, it is time to implement the projects such as the 24x7 water supply project, redesigning of streets, the bicycle policy, the parking policy, BRTS, metro railway and the rejuvenation of Mula-Mutha rivers. These are necessary for the sustainable development of the city.” 

Kumar came down heavily on the leaders making such accusations and said, “People are making allegations and taking political mileage. This mindset is detrimental to the progress of the city. Pune needs a strong leadership. Now, I am in Delhi. I can see small cities like Bhopal and Indore making strides. With a strong leadership and political will, such small cities will go ahead of Pune.”