PUNE: The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has been delaying the inauguration of the aviation gallery. It is yet to open to visitors. India’s first big aviation gallery is housed in a three-storey building located at the Lal Bahadur Shastri School in Shivajinagar Gaothan.
The project was initially started by the then NCP corporator from Shivajinagar and then Standing Committee chairman Balasaheb Bodke in 2016. He approved Rs 2 crore as an initial amount for the project. He said, “With a motive to spread awareness in the aviation sector, I initiated this project three years ago. Deputy CM Ajit Pawar had inaugurated the project, though the gallery work is completed now. It is not clear why the ruling BJP has been postponing the formal inauguration of the gallery.”
Sitting Shivajinagar corporator Jyotsna Ekbote has added several new things in the gallery. She said, “I am committed to adding new exhibits to the gallery such as films and documentaries. But due to the Lok Sabha and State Assembly elections, the inauguration could not take place. There is a certain procedure and protocol to be followed for the inauguration. Accordingly, a decision will be taken,” said Ekbote.
The PMC Bhavan Rachan (construction) department has been responsible for the work of the project. Deputy Engineer, Bhavan Rachna Department, Upendra Vaidya, said, “Though the project work is almost over, there has been still minor things to be done such as we have to take a call on the ticket amount. Some outside aviation equipment needs to be covered to protect them.”
Ekbote further added, “We are planning to invite Devendra Fadnavis as the chief guest for the inauguration. As soon as he gives his date, we will fix the formal inauguration date.”
