Pimpri leaders up the ante,to meet Antony

Pimpri-Chinchwad Mayor Yogesh Behl said the delegation would meet the Defence Minister and try to make him see reason. “Not only these two particular road projects,we will also take up issues of other land necessary for progress of the town.” He urged the local military authorities not to adopt an anti-civilian approach. “Army personnel had laid down their lives for the country. And for the interest of the same civilians,they should shun their ego and cooperate. We are ready to go the extra mile for the city’s sake and the Army should reciprocate.”

Behl said the road works had been stuck for over a year and the local Army authorities had remained unmoved despite the PCMC’s best efforts. “I have written to the Chief Minister and the Deputy Chief Minister seeking their intervention,but to no avail. I had written to the Governor also. As a last resort,I think it would be prudent to approach the Defence Minister and convince him about the town’s requirement.” He said the Army had taken land from the people and the state government years ago at a pittance. “And now,it is asking crores…”

The Opposition — the BJP and Shiv Sena — said though they were ready to join the delegation,the NCP and Congress that rule at the Centre were better placed to get the work done. “An all-party delegation can put pressure on the Central Government. But why are the NCP-Congress not taking up the issue with their own government in Delhi?,” asked Shiv Sena leader Sarang Kamtekar.

MP Gajanan Babar said he had been pursuing the land issues with the Army for years,but with little success. “The Congress government has refused to help,but I have no problem in joining the delegation.” BJP city president Eknath Pawar said the BJP wanted the other issues,including the Red Zone one,to be taken up with the Defence Ministry.

The Army had,in a news release on Tuesday,said it had stopped the road works as the PCMC had not paid the promised amount. Accusing the PCMC of banding about half-truths,it said it had always actively promoted public welfare measures,especially in healthcare,education,hygiene and sanitation.