Is Rs 1209.08 crore Approved for Pune Metropolitan Region Sewerage Works?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Rs 1209.08 crore sanctioned for sewerage schemes in Pune.
- Project to benefit 39.42 lakh people across 27 villages.
- Part of a larger plan worth Rs 2,200 crore for sewage infrastructure.
- Aims to prevent untreated wastewater from polluting major rivers.
- Focus on improving urban sanitation and environmental compliance.
Nagpur, Dec 11 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Devendra Fadnavis, presided over a meeting of the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) on Thursday, granting a revised administrative approval for sewerage projects amounting to Rs 1209.08 crore that will cover 27 villages in its civic development zones.
This initiative is anticipated to benefit a population of 39.42 lakh in these villages. The PMRDA encompasses 697 revenue villages from 9 talukas within the Pune district, spanning a total area of 5,383 square kilometres.
The sanctioned amount of Rs 1209.08 crore is integral to a broader scheme by the PMRDA aimed at revamping the sewage system and establishing Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) in the swiftly urbanizing peripheral villages.
The PMRDA has an extensive plan estimated at approximately Rs 2,200 crore (or in some reports, Rs 1,800 crore) intended to address 103 clusters across a range of 162 to 230 villages.
The primary objective is to avert untreated wastewater from discharging into the region's main rivers, such as the Mula-Mutha, Indrayani, and Pavana, thus tackling pollution and adhering to environmental regulations established by authorities like the National Green Tribunal, as reported by government sources.
During the meeting, CM Fadnavis directed the Authority to develop a 'Fire Prevention Measures Plan' for Pune city. This initiative aims to effectively utilize the substantial funds accumulated from fire service charges.
He emphasized that the remaining Rs 300 crore collected by the Authority should be allocated for various fire prevention strategies throughout the Pune Metropolitan area, as outlined in the new plan.
CM Fadnavis reiterated the importance of rejuvenating rivers and mitigating pollution in the waterways flowing through the Pune Metropolitan area.
He instructed agencies to ensure that no contaminated water is allowed to enter the rivers. To minimize accidents at the Naval Bridge, the CM directed the initiation of service road construction along National Highway No. 48 and National Highway No. 548 DD.
Additionally, he called for the establishment of service roads near Navale Bridge and the exploration of alternative solutions to avert accidents, instructing relevant agencies to collaborate effectively.
CM Fadnavis also mandated the Authority to evaluate the feasibility of land development prior to transferring the amenity plot currently under the PMRDA’s control to the Pune Zilla Parishad.
He emphasized the necessity for the timely completion of the Pune Metro Line 3 (Man-Hinjawadi-Shivajinagar) and urged necessary actions to ensure that the line is ready for passenger service in accordance with the established targets.
The elevated Metro Line 3 is being constructed by Pune IT City Metro Rail Limited (a collaboration between Tata and Siemens) under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model with the PMRDA.