Pune: The proposal to divert Rs 5 crore from the budgetary allocations made in 2025-26 to build a drainage supply system in newly merged areas, which was recently cleared by the standing committee, has invited sharp rebuke from the respective corporators. “The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) administration should utilise the funds for the purpose for which they were earmarked. The newly merged areas need more attention as they lack basic infrastructure,” said Kaka Chavan, a corporator from Khadakwasla.As per the proposal, the funds are meant for building a drainage supply system in the 23 areas that were brought under the PMC limits in 2021. The money will now be used for drainage works in two wards of the Bhavani Peth areas — Rs 2.5 crore in each ward. The proposal will be tabled at a general body meeting on Feb 18. A civic official said, “The available funds for the merged areas are not enough. Besides, the funds set aside in the civic budget can be utilised only within the financial year. If not, the funds will lapse. So, they are being diverted. The decision taken by the general body will be accepted and followed.” Two years ago, PMC prepared a detailed project report worth Rs 1,437.94 crore for constructing a sewage pipeline network in the newly included areas. The project includes replacement of old, low-capacity lines, laying 472km new lines and 90.5km main lines, and construction of eight sewage treatment plants. The state urban development department in 2025 cleared a proposal approving Rs 332 crore for the project. So far, Rs 533.85 crore has been approved under the Centre’s Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation scheme. Of these, Rs 343.13 crore is for laying sewage pipelines and Rs 190.72 crore for building treatment plants, officials said.
