PMC to step up security, seeks police protection

Waking up to the terror attack in Mumbai, the Pune Municipal Corporation has decided to tighten security at all its public utility places, including its headquarters, and has sought police protection.

Waking up to the terror attack in Mumbai, the Pune Municipal Corporation has decided to tighten security at all its public utility places, including its headquarters, and has sought police protection.

8220;The civic administration has been asked to take all possible measures for the safety of citizens visiting public places,8221; Mayor Rajlaxmi Bhosale said at all party meeting. The PMC has a provision of 641 security staff, but 52 of the posts lie vacant. In addition, the civic administration has 185 private security guards to man the various public places.

The civic administration has also sought police protection at various vulnerable public places like schools, gardens and hospitals.

Bhosale urged the elected representatives to come forward to work for maintaining law and order in the city.

Giving specific directions for the safety of people visiting the PMC headquarters, she directed the PMC security department not to allow any unwanted people, even if they are supporters of any political parties, from entering the premises of PMC.

The elected representatives should avoid meeting unwanted people in the PMC headquarters, Bhosale said, adding, there is a need to control the visit of unwanted people in the civic headquarters.

The mayor appealed the citizens to furnish the details of tenants to police and alert the police on any suspected activities in the city. Bhosale called up Mumbai Mayor Shubha Raul and condoled the death of citizens and offered to give all possible help on behalf of the PMC.

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PMC security officer L M Kondre said that security will be beefed up with immediate effect while pointing out the pending demand from last two years for installing Close Circuit TV CCTV in civic headquarters along with pole barrier at the entrance gate. NCP leader Anil Bhosale said the PMC should start a drive to remove banners that incite feelings of public and are put up in various parts of the city.

Congress leader Ulhas Bhosale said vigilance should be increase at the various water pumping stations and cultural halls. The civic staff should help the police in providing safety at slums, Shiv Sena leader Shyam Deshpande and BJP leader Vikas Mathkari said.

Earlier, addressing a condolence meeting in the lawns of PMC headquarters, Bhosale said the terror attack in Mumbai has shaken the entire country.

8220;Various police personnel including, ATS chief Hemant Karkare and Additional Commissioner of Police Ashok Kamte, are the real heroes who sacrificed their lives fighting the terrorists,8221; Mayor said. Kamte is the brother-in-law on NCP leader Vandana Chavan. While paying homage to the deceased, she said, 8220;We need to give support to the grieving family who lost their members in the terrorist attack.8221;

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Meanwhile, district collector Chandrakant Dalvi has directed the city police as well as the rural police to remain alert.