Pune Municipal Corporation Greenlights Proposals Worth Crores Ahead of Lok Sabha Election Code of Conduct
Pune, 16th March 2024: As the implementation of the Code of Conduct looms, Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has been bustling with activity, with over 175 proposals for various works worth crores receiving approval. On Friday, the offices witnessed the presence of contractors and former public representatives, ensuring the way forward for numerous pending projects.
Approval has been granted for works spanning multiple departments, including water supply, transport, and project development. The substantial financial allocation for these projects was highlighted during the budget presentation by Municipal Commissioner and Administrator Vikram Kumar (his transfer order also came in the evening). It was emphasized that tenders for these projects must be initiated before the current financial year concludes in March.
Anticipating the impending Code of Conduct for the Lok Sabha elections, the process of tendering commenced across various municipal departments. Over the last two days, several tenders, amounting to hundreds of crores, were brought before the Standing Committee for approval. The meeting scheduled for Thursday (March 14) was deferred to Friday, leading to the approval of more than 100 proposals, valued at 250 crores, in the first phase. Subsequently, the remaining proposals were sanctioned later in the evening.
Notable among the approved projects are the construction of a railway flyover on the Pune-Miraj railway line at Ghorpadi and the development of a flyover and grade separator at Mukundrao Chowk. S.S.C. Infrastructure Pvt. Ltd. secured the tender for the former at Rs. 95 crore 21 lakh. Additionally, the water resources department of the state has requested 812 crores from the municipal corporation for water bill payments. In line with Guardian Minister Ajit Pawar’s recommendation during the canal committee meeting, the corporation agreed to allocate Rs. 100 crores to the Water Resources Department.
The standing committee also greenlit 23 tenders, totaling 11 crores, for drain cleaning, along with projects worth 93 lakh 35 thousand for the removal of aquatic plants from the stone pond. Various infrastructure developments, including road asphalting in key areas, construction works in sports complexes, and footpath enhancements, were among the approved proposals.
Furthermore, an allocation of 99 lakh 99 thousand was approved for supplying drinking water by tanker in a designated ward under the Hadapsar Mundhwa Regional Office. Additionally, the RCC work at the existing culvert on the drain from Hadapsar Sadesatara Nali Sadhana Bank to Survey No. 176, 177, 241, 242, amounting to Rs. 1 crore 71 lakh 55 thousand, is anticipated to commence soon.
