Urban News

Taking no chances after the bomb blast at German Bakery, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) along with tightening its security at all public utility places, including its headquarters, has undertaken a drive to bring down illegal structures and hoardings across the city.

“The PMC has already tightened its security at all public utility places, especially civic headquarter, pumping stations and cultural halls,” said Ramesh Shelar, PMC security officer. The civic body had installed the closed circuit TV (CCTV) and metal detector in civic headquarters soon after the terrorist attack in Mumbai, he said, adding that additional staff is being stationed to man the civic headquarters.

“The security department has been directed to plug all the loopholes regarding security at the civic own properties and ensure safety of citizens,” said Umakant Dangat, PMC Additional Municipal Corporation.

Shelar said a survey in under way to make a list of illegal structures and hoardings. All the civic staff has been asked to keep a vigil and inform if they spot any suspected or abandoned object in the city. An awareness drive has also been planned in civic schools.

However, the PMC has failed to fill up 50 vacant posts of security personnel. There is a provision of 641 security staff, but 50 of the posts are vacant. “We are in the process of recruiting security personnel and will not speed it up,” he said. In addition, the civic administration has 185 private security guards to man various public places.

The PMC has also appealed to elected representatives not to bring in supporters of their political parties to the civic offices and avoid crowding at the PMC headquarters.

The PMC officials will soon hold meeting with city police to take suggestions on further improving the security measures at the civic offices.