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This is an archive article published on December 19, 2023

Bombay High Court directs PMC to make panel on road development functional

The petitioner had pointed out the gross negligence of PMC in repairing, maintaining and layering roads in Pune as per correct scientific techniques.

pune rods, pmc road workThe PIL petition primarily concerned itself with the failure to implement recommendations made by the two committees, which were formed by the civic body for making recommendations on technical issues. (File photo)

The Bombay High Court has directed the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) to make functional the Standard Technical Advisory Committee (STAC) and Road Development and Road Maintenance Committee within three weeks. It further stated that if PMC is unable to do so, it can seek more time by citing reasons to the court.

Hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by activist Qaneez Sukhrani and Pushkar Kulkarni, the bench of Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya on Monday said it has been stated that both committees for some reason are not functional. “We, thus, direct the Commissioner of PMC to take requisite steps and ensure that these two Committees become functional within three weeks from today. In case for some reason the Municipal Commissioner is unable to…. it will be open to the Municipal Commissioner to seek further time by making appropriate application to the Court citing reasons,” they said.

The PIL petition primarily concerns itself with non-implementation of recommendations made by the Standard Technical Advisory Committee and Road Development and Road Maintenance Committee, which have been formed by PMC for making recommendations on technical issues.

The petitioner had pointed out the gross negligence of PMC in repairing, maintaining and layering roads in Pune as per correct scientific techniques.

“It is well-known that Pune city roads are consistently and repeatedly in a damaged and ruinous condition. Citizens have become accustomed to patches of the road disintegrating, being washed away during the monsoon, being peppered with potholes and uneven levels. These lead to highly unsafe road conditions and add to traffic volume and congestion on the roads, especially during monsoon,” the petitioner said.

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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