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This is an archive article published on October 2, 2020

PMC to take action against sports complexes operating despite orders to remain shut

The state government had issued a notification on March 13, when it imposed the Epidemic Act, to check the spread of Covid-19 and, accordingly, the municipal corporation undertook measures at its own level, Khemnar said.

Pune COVID-19, Pune Municipal Corporation, Murlidhar Mohol, municipal commissioner Kunal Khemnar, pune news, indian expressPune Municipal Corporation. (Express File Photo)

THE PMC has decided to seal sports complexes functioning despite an order to stay shut in an effort to check the spread of Covid-19.

“The in-charge of ward offices have been directed to visit various sports complexes in their areas and seal those operating despite orders to keep them shut. Also, legal action should be immediately initiated against those sports complexes,” said Additional Municipal Commissioner Kunal Khemnar.

The sports complexes mainly include badminton halls, swimming pools, gymnasiums, and other indoor sports venues.

Khemnar said all sports complexes, private as well as PMC-owned but run by private contractors, in the city were asked to shut down as per an order under the Epidemic Act and the Disaster Management Act.

He said there were, however, complaints that some badminton halls, swimming pools, gymnasia and sports centres were open despite restrictions.

The state government had issued a notification on March 13, when it imposed the Epidemic Act, to check the spread of Covid-19 and, accordingly, the municipal corporation undertook measures at its own level, Khemnar said.

He also said the PMC had shut public places such as gardens and sports complexes, as per guidelines from central and state government.

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He added that the municipal commissioner had also issued orders banning rallies, events or gatherings for any function, including social, religious, political, sports, entertainment, cultural or educational purposes.

According to civic officials, there are reports of sports complexes functioning in violation of orders to remain shut. There was a demand to open sports complexes, particularly gymnasia, across the city but the PMC had not granted permission for the same, the officials said.

Meanwhile, BJP MLA Siddharth Shirole from Shivajinagar in Pune has taken up the demand of gyms and fitness centres to restart operations.

“My heart goes out to owners, operators, trainers and patrons of gyms and fitness centres who don’t have permission to reopen. I reiterate, I see no point in denying permission to one of the most hygienic and health-aware industries when other businesses are open now,” Shirole said, while thanking the state government for listening to the demand of thousands and allowing dine-in service at restaurants, bars and food courts at 50 per cent capacity.

Ajay Jadhav is an Assistant Editor with The Indian Express, Pune, a role that reflects his seniority and editorial Authority. He is a highly specialized journalist whose work demonstrates significant Expertise in the critical areas of urban development, governance, and sustainability, often linking policy to its on-the-ground impact across Maharashtra. Expertise Senior Editorial Role: As an Assistant Editor at The Indian Express, Ajay Jadhav contributes to the editorial direction and maintains high standards of Trustworthiness and quality in his reporting. Core Specialization: His reporting focuses intensely on the intersection of infrastructure, politics, and social development, with expertise in: Infrastructure and Civic Issues: Provides in-depth coverage of crucial development and urban governance topics. His work includes reporting on the glaring contrast between planned infrastructure projects (like private helipads) and the lack of basic facilities (schools and hospitals) in politically significant areas, highlighting accountability gaps. Politics and Governance: Consistently reports on political developments, scrutinizing decision-making that affects public life and development initiatives in Maharashtra. Sustainable Development & Environment: Demonstrates a commitment to responsible development by reporting on initiatives that successfully protect the environment while ensuring essential infrastructure development. Investigative and Policy Impact: National Impact: Ajay has written notable research articles on Conservancy staff which achieved a nationwide impact by directly contributing to the framing of policies aimed at improving the working conditions of waste-handling laborers. This demonstrates his capacity for impactful, evidence-based journalism. Additional Interests Personal Engagement: His background as a trekker and sports enthusiast suggests a keen personal interest in the environment and outdoor spaces, which likely informs his detailed and passionate reporting on sustainable development and civic issues. Ajay Jadhav's sustained focus on governance, his track record of high-impact policy-shaping research, and his critical eye for infrastructure gaps establish him as a trusted and authoritative source for news and analysis in Pune and Maharashtra. ... Read More


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