PUNE: On Thursday, State Industries Minister Uday Samant stated that there is “no immediate plan” to establish a separate municipal corporation for newly merged areas, as the state government is allocating funds for their development.
Samant emphasized that the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) is providing sufficient funds for the development of these regions. The drafting of a development plan for the 23 merged areas is currently in progress, with approximately Rs 250 crore assigned for water supply projects and Rs 130 crore allocated for drainage works. PMC has also committed Rs 160 crore towards road development. “The government is dedicated to advancing these newly merged areas,” the minister reiterated.
This statement was made during the ongoing monsoon session of the state legislative council in response to a question from MLC Yogesh Tilekar. “The PMC’s jurisdiction has significantly expanded after the merger of 32 villages, which is exerting undue pressure on civic resources and infrastructure. Establishing a dedicated corporation for these areas is essential as PMC has become the largest municipal corporation in the state,” Tilekar asserted.
Multiple leaders advocating for a separate civic body highlighted that PMC is struggling to provide basic services in the merged areas, with citizens facing issues like insufficient water supply, poor road quality, and inadequate sewage treatment facilities. According to PMC officials, the proposal to merge 34 villages received approval from PMC in 2013-14, and following court directives, 11 villages were merged in 2017. Two villages, Uruli-Phursungi, were completely incorporated, ultimately elevating PMC to the status of the largest municipal corporation in Maharashtra with the inclusion of 23 villages in July 2021. Post-merger, the PMC limits expanded to 518.77 sq km, although two areas, including Uruli-Phursungi, were demerged in 2024 due to local complaints regarding poor infrastructure.
Elected officials from various parties, including Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, have supported the formation of a new municipal corporation. Regions such as Hadapsar, Mundhwa, Wagholi, Manjri, and adjacent locales were proposed for inclusion in the new civic body.
Kondhwa Abattoir Temporarily Closed for Repairs
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced on Wednesday that the Kondhwa abattoir has been closed. This decision comes after the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) raised pollution concerns. He provided this update during the state assembly session. PMC officials reported that operations were suspended on Wednesday, and the facility will only reopen once the MPCB’s issues have been addressed. “Animal slaughter has been halted for the last three days,” stated Sarika Funde, a senior PMC health department official.
PMC noted that the facility typically processes around 90 animals daily with 30 staff members operating a single shift from 4 am to 11 am. An effluent treatment plant was installed at the site in 2019 and received clearance from the MPCB.
Comprehensive Transport Plan for Pune to Address Traffic Issues: Misal
Minister of State for Urban Development and Transport Madhuri Misal revealed on Thursday that a comprehensive transport plan has been drafted to tackle traffic congestion in Pune. This plan aims to enhance coordination among public transport systems, and public input will be solicited through meetings with local representatives before implementing necessary measures.
