Merger of Pune, Kirkee cantonment boards in PMC in process: Union MoS Mohol

The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), the largest civic body in the state, is all set to get bigger as with the merger of the Pune Cantonment Board (PCB) and Kirkee Cantonment Board (KCB) with the PMC underway.

Union Minister and city MP Murlidhar Mohol on Wednesday said the merger of PCB and KCB in PMC is in process. “The process of merger of PCB ans KCB in PMC is going on so that basic civic amenities could be provided to citizens of the area,” said Mohol.

“As an MP of Pune it is my responsibility to track it and see that the merger happens faster so they citizens get better civic services,” he said, pointing out such mergers were being done across the country.

On if there was a need to split PMC into more municipal corporations for ensuring effective civic services to citizens, Mohol said there is no need to split PMC now. “If things can be managed in Mumbai, Pune is geographically bigger than Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) but can be managed for now. In future it can be given a thought to strengthen civic services. Moreover, PMC polls have just got over,” he said.

“Rapid urbanisation in Pune is putting pressure on meeting water needs of residents,” Mohol said, adding that more water sources, including Mulshi dam, will be explored along with measures to reduce water loss due to thefts or leakages in existing water supply system through equitable water supply project.

“The residents of Pune have given full majority to the BJP for carrying out development of the city. Thus, it is our responsibility to fulfill public demands and promises made during election,” he said, adding that the priority is to complete the long-delayed equitable water supply project, river improvement and beautification project.

He said Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has directed everyone to not put up political flex in the city and the the city BJP will stick to that. “We want flex-free city and directions have been given to PMC administration to remove flex and take action on illegal installing of flex boards irrespective of who has put it,” he added.

Mohol said the process for acquiring 300 acres of land for extension of Pune airport will start soon. “The new terminal is open at Pune airport while renovation of the old terminal is going on. Once the land acquired is used for extension of runway then widebody aircraft will be able to land at the airport enabling international flights from across the world to operate from Pune,” he said.

Ajay Jadhav is an Assistant Editor at The Indian... Read More