Indian Express 2311.2009
Devp plans for Pune, Pimpri this year
The development plan of the Pune Municipal Corporation, pending since 1987, is likely to get approval by year-end while that of Pimpri-Chinchwad has already been approved. The plans are meant for 23 villages merged with the PMC and 18 villages merged with the PCMC in 1997.
Disclosing this at a private function in Pimpri on Sunday, state Water Resources and Energy Minister Ajit Pawar said the approval of the plans would trigger a spate of construction activities in the city. “The plans would ensure uniform growth of the merged areas.” Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Commissioner Asheesh Sharma said the plan for the merged villages had come into effect on August 1. “However, there are nearly 100 changes to be made in it. The government had invited suggestions and objections on these changes. These final changes required approval, which the government must have given now.”
Asserting that the state would have surplus electricity in two years, Pawar said he could push both water and energy projects as he was in charge of the two ministries — Water Resources and Energy. “Earlier, I had only one ministry which created hurdles in implementation of the projects. There is no such problem now. I will put in my best to set up new power generation projects¿ Union ministers Vilasrao Deshmukh and Sushilkumar Shinde have promised all help.”
Pawar also welcomed the setting up of Citrus Hotels, a premium business hotel, in Pimpri-Chinchwad. “In tmes like this, Pimpri-Chinchwad needed a hotel like this to boost its growth and image.”
