‘My thrust is on development’

Addressing a media gathering organised by the Pune Union of Working Journalists (PUWJ),he cited the example of Nitish Kumar in Bihar and said irrespective of caste and creed,people had voted for development. “We have to take it as an example and work for development of the state,” said Pawar.

Talking about Lavasa Corporation’s 25,000-acre hill township project near Pune,against which the Union Environment Ministry had issued a showcause notice alleging violation of environmental laws,the Deputy CM stated the government would wait for the company to reply to the notice before deciding on any action. “If there are any irregularities,the government would take necessary action,” he said.

Talking about an earlier allegation that Pawar,as Maharashtra Krishna Valley Development Corporation (MKVDC) chairperson,had sanctioned 141.15 hectares of MKVDC land to Lavasa,he said he had done it for development of the area and the land was given on a lease for 30 years,of which 10-11 years are over. It had been pointed out that the land was leased to the company for around Rs 82 lakh,for the said period,to build private dams.

Highlighting the need for an international airport in Pune,Pawar called upon private parties to help the government acquire land for the proposed project. “If there is a pool of private holders,they could give the government the land. Since land acquisition from farmers has to be carried out smoothly,the government will give all necessary compensation.”

He also announced that on Sunday,Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh will hold a meeting with the state government on the proposed Jaitapur Nuclear Power project. “All environmental clearances will be discussed as it falls in Konkan region and this project will definitely address the energy shortfall,” said Pawar.

The state needs 15,000 MW against the present generation of 11,000 MW. The shortfall will be met through this project and it will also help the state achieve zero load shedding by 2012,he said.

Issues like the Bio Diversity Park (BDP),traffic congestion,BRTS,Metro and ring road will be resolved after discussion at the earliest,he said. Getting adequate JNNURM funds for the state’s development will a priority,he added.

To increase security,the state police force would be strengthened and funds released for procuring more equipment. Naxal issues will be addressed,said Pawar.

He assured journalists that he would raise the issue of bringing a law in the wake of attacks on journalists and also try to get the anti-superstition bill passed. “There is never a united opinion on any issue. Several issues have to be resolved though discussion,” he said.

Toll collection data will be on website soon
The Deputy CM said the government will soon put up details of toll collected for every road on the website for the public to view. He said that there would be a single counter to clear vehicles that do not have to pay toll so they would not have to wait in long queues.