PMC report lacks depth, insight

To cite an example, while stating that 11,000 tons of goods per square kilometer are imported into the city every day, the administration, however, adds that it was not in a position to project the quantum of garbage generated owing to the consumption of these goods!

The administration admits to be in the dark about the likely chemical composition of the garbage generated, but warns that accumulation of this garbage would lead to major problems in near future.

Understandably, the elected representatives soon after tabling of the report by Municipal Commissioner Rajiv Agarwal, decided to adjourn the general body meeting till July 29. The reason given was that they would have to exercise their brains over the 8220;findings8221; in the environment status report.

While it is public knowledge that traffic was a major cause for concern, all the municipal administration has to say is:
1 The number of private vehicles, mainly for individual use, are on the rise.
2 There is no substantial increase in the number of vehicles for public transport purpose.
3 Hence, it seems that the citizens prefer their own vehicles in the absence of an efficient public transport system.

It projects a perceptible rise in the number of driving licence holders based on its 8220;information8221; that about three lakh Puneites were likely to cross the age of 16 8220;during the next two-three years8221; and that nearly one lakh Puneites, whose age group the administration is not so sure of, had applied for driving licence during 1997.

This is the third environment status report prepared by the PMC afer the State Government issued directives to all the civic bodies to prepare such an report keeping with the 74th Constitutional amendment.

The PMC had achieved the distinction of being the first municipal body to abide by the directives when it submitted the environment status report in 1995. The previous reports were hailed in various quarters of the society and the State Government had recommended it to the other municipal bodies.

Unfortunately, this year8217;s 25 page report has little to offer. What with the civic administration confessing, 8220;The information on the number of water connections is not available.8221;

The administrations admits that Mula-Mutha rivers have been polluted and have been reduced to 8220;sewage carriers.8221; It is a known fact that the slum dwellers from Dias Plot and Janata Vasahat pollute the Mutha right bank canal waters. The report states: 8220;There is no alternative source of water for these residents. There is no control on the increase of these slums.8221;

The report, however, strongly recommends that an 8220;environment committee,8221; comprising elected representatives, be established before September 15. The civic body should prepare an action plan spelling out the measures to be adopted to protect environment and help sustainable development of the city. The civic body should organise a seminar on August 15 to seek suggestions from the environmentalists over the proposed action plan.

Similar environment committees should also be established in all municipal wards. These committees should comprise of environmentalists, local social workers and civic activists. The PMC should computerise its main offices in all the municipal wards so that a 8220;City Net8221; is established for speedy exchange of information.