PMC one up on garbage but scores low on encroachments

The civic body did have a busy year through 2010. Starting January,elected representatives realised the threat to the environment and banned the use of plastic bags despite protests from a few quarters. By the end of the year,the civic administration was also able to take up a pilot project at Peshwe Park to convert plastic into fuel.

In February,the bomb blast at German Bakery brought into focus the safety concern of the citizens. It forced the PMC to tighten security at the civic headquarters to ensure the safety of lakhs of citizens visiting the building every day.

The biggest achievement for the city came by May-end as PMC managed to stop open dumping of garbage at Uruli Devachi. The problem had persisted for years,with the villagers taking to streets now and then to protest against the civic body’s failure to fulfill the assurance.

The long-pending issue of octroi charges on gold jewellery also got resolved after the jewellers took on the civic body for higher rates. The PMC reduced the charges so that the jewellers start paying octroi.

BRTS delay: The PMC had to seek an extension for the completion of the Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS) in the city.

Off track: The civic body gave a nod to the first phase of the Metro rail plan,but the project is yet to kickstart as the proposal is pending with the state government for final approval.

Nil action on nullahs: Heavy rains exposed the administration’s failure to control encroachment of nullahs. The city witnessed a few deaths during the monsoon. PMC has been promising restoration of nullahs every time there is flooding,but to no avail.

DP delay: The PMC,despite getting an extension of one year for revising the development plan (DP),failed to complete work on time. It has again sought an extension. The civic chief had to take stringent steps to ensure speedier completion of the revised DP and formed a dedicated cell led by city engineer Prashant Waghmare.

…and wasn’t

Water woes continue: The assurance of equal distribution of water across the city could also not be met till the end of year. The PMC has now started the process of appointing a consultant for preparing a detailed plan for the purpose.