Pune: Deputy chief minister and Pune’s guardian minister Ajit Pawar on Sunday said authorities should consider issuing stop-work notices to builders who fail to comply with civic regulations. Pawar made the statement during a review visit to Hadapsar constituency, where he interacted with Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) officials and local residents.Responding to citizens’ complaints about poor amenities, inadequate road infrastructure and water scarcity in the area, he said, “Builders should mend their ways and provide facilities. Authorities should take strict action against them if they behave arrogantly. The stop-work notices should be issued if building regulations are not followed.”PMC officials said Pawar’s visit was aimed to review infrastructure development and easing of traffic congestion in Pune’s eastern corridor. Pawar directed civic and police officials to adopt advanced technology and expedite critical projects in Hadapsar and Mundhwa.The DCM visited key traffic bottlenecks spots, including the under-construction Kharadi–Keshavnagar bridge, Mundhwa Chowk and the Hadapsar bus terminus. He said Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) could transfer control of open spaces to PMC for public infrastructure development.“A complex situation has been created because of multiple local self-governing bodies controlling the area. The PMRDA is giving building permissions, while PMC is expected to provide civic amenities. If needed, the rights to grant permissions could be handed over to PMC. The issue can be escalated to the chief minister’s office.”Pawar stressed the importance of coordination between PMC, Pune police, PMPML, PMRDA and elected representatives to formulate sustainable traffic management strategies. He backed citizens’ demands for better facilities, noting that they have paid for homes and are justified in expecting basic civic infrastructure in return.“All stakeholders must come together to evaluate feasible alternatives and initiate actionable steps without delay. The construction of the flyover should be expedited, so that citizens get relief soon,” he added.‘Parrikar? Who?’During the visit, local residents raised concerns about water supply, poor road conditions, inadequate street lighting, law and order and irregular bus services. One woman suggested that Pawar should conduct surprise inspections during peak traffic hours, “like Parrikar.”Pawar appeared puzzled and said, “Parrikar? Who?” The woman clarified she was referring to former Goa CM and Union defence minister the late Manohar Parrikar. Pawar responded: “I am also conducting visits to check ground realities and ensure citizens are not suffering because of traffic issues.”
