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Pune: PMC to set up Metropolitan Surveillance Unit, city disaster response force, undertake Ektanagari rehabilitation project

The PMC has decided to rehabilitate residents of Ekta Nagari alongside Mutha river on Sinhgad road as a permanent solution to flooding in the locality

Having witnessed a spurt in infectious diseases and adverse impact of natural disasters in the city in the last few years, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has decided to set up a Metropolitan Surveillance Unit (MSU), Emergency Operation Centre (EOC), City Disaster Response Force (CDRF) and undertake Ektanagari rehabilitation project.

In the budget presentation for 2025-26, Municipal Commissioner Rajendra Bhosale said Pune will be one of the four cities in the state that will have MSU as per the Union government’s direction and its main objective will be to control the spread of infectious diseases in the city. “There will be an advanced medical laboratory, trained manpower and scientific survey system under MSU to initiate immediate steps for controlling infectious diseases by taking relevant actions and doing studies on it,” he said.

Besides, the civic body would administer free vaccination on cervical cancer to all 15,000 girl students of civic schools between the ages of 9 and 14 years, he said, adding a cancer diagnosis facility would be started in the coming financial year. Also, four Disabled Therapy Centres will be started in different parts of city.

As the city has been witnessing flood like situation during monsoon since the last few years, Bhosale said a EOC will be set up in the civic main building as a dedicated disaster management cell that would ensure effective handling of any natural disaster. This will be in addition to the Integrated Command and Control Centre for the purpose. “A city Disaster Response Force will be set up to ensure swift action for disaster management,” he informed.

The PMC has decided to rehabilitate residents of Ekta Nagari alongside Mutha river on Sinhgad road as a permanent solution to flooding in the locality, Bhosale said, adding 1,383 apartments and 67 shops will be rehabilitated in nearby Hingane Khurd area through a cluster development project.

Citizens Grievance Redressal committee will be constituted at each of the five municipal zonal office so that citizens can raise civic issues at local level which the committee would resolve swiftly, he said, adding, “Similarly, the decentralisation of Shahari Garib Yojana, medical assistance scheme for urban poor, will be done by enabling services at each of the ward offices as against one office in main building.”

Ajay Jadhav

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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Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC)