Journalism of Courage
BJP leader Bhimale objects to development on Pune hills, requests CM to protect them
“There are complaints that in some places, large-scale excavation is being done on hills based on excavation permits from the District Collector's Office,” said PMC Standing Committee Chairman Shrinath Bhimale.
Shrinath Bhimale on Friday sought an immediate inquiry into excavation and illegal development work at these locations as well as at Biodiversity Park. (Photo: Facebook)
Raising concern over increasing encroachments on Pune’s hills, the Pune Municipal Corporation’s (PMC) Standing Committee Chairman Shrinath Bhimale on Friday sought an immediate inquiry into excavation and illegal development work at these locations as well as at Biodiversity Park. He also requested Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to take steps to protect the hills.
“Construction work on the hill should be suspended until the investigation is completed. A separate protection and development plan should be prepared as well for all hills in the city by mapping them using GIS,” said Bhimale.
He discussed with the civic administration about complaints of digging at Gangadham Chowk, Solitaire Business Hub area in Bibvewadi, Bavdhan, Market Yard and Katraj areas. “Instructions were given to send a joint team of the municipal corporation, district administration, geologist and environmental experts to relevant places and conduct an on-site inspection. The administration was also asked to submit a report after conducting a scientific study of natural water flow, landslide risk and environmental impacts,” said Bhimale.
He sought information on whether all necessary approvals from the departments of environment, revenue, town planning and municipal corporations were procured for respective excavations; if a study of natural water flow and landslides was conducted; and whether a report was prepared after conducting a comprehensive survey of all such works.
Bhimale said, “The municipal administration cannot stop by taking action only on illegal constructions. It is equally important to protect the hills, mountain tops and trees in the city. Just because the development plan shows a residential zone, no one gets the right to flatten the hill. No development can be bigger than the city’s environment.”
“There are complaints that in some places, large-scale excavation is being done on hills based on excavation permits from the District Collector’s Office. It has been reported that the slope criterion is also being ignored. The documents in this regard have been given to the Municipal Commissioner and a complete investigation should be conducted and action should be taken against the guilty,” he added.
Bhimale said a separate letter will also be sent to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis in this matter. “Where hills actually exist, excavation or development work should not be done based only on residential zones. The state government should formulate a clear policy to immediately suspend such works,” he said.
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Citizens have raised complained that large-scale excavation was underway at Gangadham Chowk and Solitaire Business Hub area of Bibvewadi. The complaints stated that ecological balance was being disturbed due to the change in the natural form of the hill and the natural flow of rainwater is being disrupted. The complaints express ed fear that artificial filling may increase the risk of landslides in the future. Against this backdrop, local citizens have demanded an inquiry from the District Collector and an immediate halt to the work.
© The Indian Express Pvt Ltd
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