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Ajit urges immediate start to relocating project-affected residents

Bhujbal said the expansion work should have been started by now, but the relocating nearby residents was still pending.

Ajit Pawar said the state government allocated Rs 200 crore for the land acquisition, gowever, this has not yet commenced. (Source: FB)

After state minister Chhagan Bhujbal raised concern over the slow pace of the Mahatma Phule Wada and Krantijyoti Savitribai Phule Memorial’s expansion work, the Maharashtra government urged the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) to immediately take up relocating project-affected residents and start the land acquisition process in 15 days.

“It is necessary to relocate residents living around the memorial. The relocation of those residents who are willing to move to alternative locations should begin immediately,” said Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar while conducting a review of the project.

The state government has decided to preserve and expand Mahatma Phule Wada and Krantijyoti Savitribai Phule Memorial. State Food and Civil Supplies Minister Chhagan Bhujbal participated in the project review and expressed concern over slow pace in implementing the project, the site of which he visited last week in Pune.

Pawar said the state government allocated Rs 200 crore for the land acquisition, gowever, this has not yet commenced. “Around 1,000 residents around the memorial are to be relocated and options have been provided. Of these, 200 residents are willing to move to alternative locations, and relocation procedures for them should begin,” he said, adding that planning should be done to move the remaining residents in phases.

Bhujbal said the expansion work should have been started by now, but the relocating nearby residents was still pending. “Instead of relocating everyone at once, those who are ready to shift to alternative places should be moved first and their locations vacated. The remaining residents can then be relocated,” he said.

Ajay Jadhav

Ajay Jadhav is an Assistant Editor at The Indian Express, Pune. With over 22 years of experience in the industry, he is a highly specialized journalist whose work focuses on the intersection of urban infrastructure, governance, and sustainability. Professional Background Role: As Assistant Editor, he plays a key role in the editorial direction of the Pune bureau, specializing in urban policy and its direct impact on citizens. Education: He holds a Master’s degree in Communication and Journalism from Savitribai Phule Pune University and a PG Diploma in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). He also studied at the prestigious Fergusson College. Impactful Reporting: He is credited with research-based articles on conservancy staff (waste workers) that influenced national policy for better working conditions. He is also known for exposing the contrast between high-end infrastructure (like helipads for leaders) and the lack of basic amenities like schools in their home districts. Personal Interests: An avid trekker and sports enthusiast, his personal interest in the outdoors often informs his reporting on environmental protection and sustainable development. Recent Notable Articles (December 2025) His reporting in late 2025 has been dominated by the upcoming January 2026 Civic Polls in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad, and the city's infrastructure boom: 1. Political Analysis (Civic Elections 2026) "Not friendly but a bitter fight lies ahead between BJP and NCP for PMC, PCMC" (Dec 22, 2025): A detailed look at the intense rivalry between the Mahayuti partners as they prepare for the January 15 municipal elections. "Pune civic polls: Big blow to NCP, NCP(SP) as leaders switch to BJP" (Dec 20, 2025): Reporting on high-profile poaching and party-hopping ahead of the elections. "Ajit Pawar's NCP continues domination in Pune, wins 10 of 17 local bodies" (Dec 21, 2025): Analyzing the results of the local self-government body elections as a precursor to the main civic polls. 2. Infrastructure & Urban Development "Looking Ahead at 2026: Pune to see inauguration of much-awaited Hinjewadi to Shivajinagar metro route" (Dec 22, 2025): An "outlook" piece on the critical Metro Line 3 project expected to finish by March 2026. "Building Pune: PMC to construct double-decker bridge over Mula-Mutha River" (Dec 18, 2025): Detailing a major project aimed at easing traffic between Hadapsar and Kharadi. "Condition of highway from Pune to Kolhapur to improve in a year: Gadkari" (Dec 4, 2025): Reporting on the Union Minister’s assurances regarding one of the state's most critical transport corridors. 3. Civic Governance & Environment "Install sensors, LED indicators at construction sites within 15 days: PMC to builders" (Dec 16, 2025): A follow-up to the "Breathless Pune" series, reporting on new mandates for builders to monitor air quality in real-time. "Errors in electoral rolls: PMC corrects data of 92,466 voters" (Dec 16, 2025): Tracking the administrative efforts to clean up the voter lists before the 2026 elections. Signature Style Ajay Jadhav is known for accountability journalism. His work often bridges the gap between high-level policy and the "ground zero" reality of Pune's residents. He is particularly focused on Sustainable Development, ensuring that as Pune grows into a "Bharat Mandapam" style destination (referring to his report on the Lohegaon project), its environmental and social safeguards remain intact. X (Twitter): @ajay_khape ... Read More

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