New Divisional Commissioner takes over

Deshmukh said he would like to take forward projects for Pune and will assess all the pending projects for the division,Pune,Satara,Sangli,Kolhapur and Solapur. “I would like to emphasise on watershed development projects as well as better implementation of the Maharashtra Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MREGS).” He said he would strike to make Pune Division the best in the state.

Asked about the Chakan airport issue,he said he would assess the entire report before stating anything.

In his farewell speech,Band recounted his experience of the last 32 years and said it was a fruitful journey as he could implement several projects. From his campaign in Dhule to his extensive work in Pimpri-Chinchwad,he said that for every step taken,there has to be enough political support. “I am a man who took decisions and went ahead. Fortunately,I did get political support to execute several projects,’’ said Band.

He thanked the support of all officers in his journey and wished Deshmukh all success. The function was also attended by Pune district collector Vikas Deshmukh who shared his experiences in working with Band. He said Band was a man who would execute matters at the earliest. Additional commissioner Vasant Vaidya and other senior officials too shared their experience working under Band.

As municipal commissioner,Band has been credited with changing the face of Pimpri-Chinchwad by implementing the road-widening project that had been pending for two decades. Despite opposition from parties and citizens,Band demolished nearly 2,000 structures that paved way for widening of the Pune-Mumbai Highway and the Pune-Nashik Highway. The structures included those belonging to bigwigs like former mayor Mangala Kadam in Pimpri-Chinchwad.

“During his tenure,the development of Pimpri-Chinchwad really speeded up,” said Congress corporator Amar Moolchandani. Mayor Yogesh Behl said Band was a committed and a good officer. “Because of his efforts,Pimpri-Chinchwad could see rapid infrastructure development. The wide and smooth roads,the implementation of slum rehab plans have all been possible because Band showed amazing degree of urgency and commitment,” Behl said.

Amid speculation of Band joining the NCP,as he was considered close to Ajit Pawar,a fact Band has never denied,he said there was no likelihood of him joining the party,at least for now.