Latest news with #NavalKishoreRam
Indian Express
a day ago
- General
- Indian Express
To protect flood-prone areas PMC demands Rs 300 cr from disaster management dept for RFD project
Claiming that the RiverFront Development (RFD) project would provide complete protection of adjoining localities of Mutha river from flooding and increase the water carrying capacity of the river, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has sought Rs 300 crore from the state Disaster Management department for developing the RFD on a stretch from Vadgaon Khurd to Rajaram bridge to tackle the flooding at Ektanagar, Vitthalnagar and Nimbajnagar on Sinhagad road, when water is released from Khadakwasla dam. 'The Rs 4,727 crore RFD project is implemented in phases for the 44.40 km stretch of the Mula and Mutha river passing through the civic area. This project will increase the water carrying capacity of the rivers and also provide complete protection from flooding to localities alongside the river,' said municipal commissioner Naval Kishore Ram. Last year and as well as in the past, the locality of Ektanagar, Vitthalnagar and Nimbajnagar on Sinhagad road witnessed flooding after a large amount of water was released from Khadakwasla dam. 'The residents of the flood affected localities are demanding immediate implementation of the RFD project at the Mutha river bank alongside their locality. However, the entire project completion will take ten years and the 4.10 km river stretch in the area needs Rs 300 crore for development under RFD. If the state government gives funds through Disaster Management for the purpose then the development of the stretch can be taken up immediately,' he said. The project includes constructing embankments on both sides, a jogging track, tree plantations, beautification of the bank and stopping sewage water from entering through nullahs in the area. The Pune civic body has completed 90 percent work of RFD on 3.7 km stretch from Sangamwadi to Bundgarden, 32 percent of work on 5.3 km river stretch from Bund Garden to Mundhwa bridge while recently started work on the 8.8 km stretch from Wakad bypass to Sangvi, he added. Ajay Jadhav is an Assistant Editor with The Indian Express, Pune. He writes on Infrastructure, Politics, Civic issues, Sustainable Development and related stuff. He is a trekker and a sports enthusiast. Ajay has written research articles on the Conservancy staff that created a nationwide impact in framing policy to improve the condition of workers handling waste. Ajay has been consistently writing on politics and infrastructure. He brought to light the lack of basic infrastructure of school and hospital in the hometown of Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde even as two private helipads were developed by the leader who mostly commutes from Mumbai to Satara in helicopter. Ajay has been reporting on sustainable development initiatives that protects the environment while ensuring infrastructure development. ... Read More
Hindustan Times
3 days ago
- Health
- Hindustan Times
PMC seeks explanation from zoo authorities over deer deaths
After laboratory reports confirmed that foot and mouth disease (FMD) caused the recent deaths of 16 spotted deer at the Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park, Pune municipal commissioner Naval Kishore Ram has directed zoo authorities to submit a detailed explanation. In response, the zoo's health advisory committee implemented emergency biosecurity measures and carried out preventive vaccinations for the remaining animals. (REPRESENTATIVE PIC) 'The civic chief has issued instructions. Further action will follow once the report is submitted,' said Omprakash Diwate, additional municipal commissioner. Between July 6 and July 12, the Katraj zoo reported the deaths of 16 spotted deer — 14 females and two males — triggering serious concerns about the zoo's health monitoring and safety protocols. In response, the zoo's health advisory committee implemented emergency biosecurity measures and carried out preventive vaccinations for the remaining animals. Food, water, and blood samples were sent to national laboratories for analysis. On July 25, reports from the ICAR-National Institute on Foot and Mouth Disease (Bhubaneswar) and the National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases (Bhopal) confirmed that all 16 deer died due to FMD. Following the confirmation, PMC has asked the zoo director to submit a comprehensive report outlining the sequence of events, initial detection, response measures taken, and whether there was any human error or negligence. 'If any lapses are found, strict action will be taken against officials or staff,' Diwate said.
Indian Express
22-07-2025
- Indian Express
Pune's Bhide bridge to be reopened temporarily by August 20 ahead of Ganeshotsav
Ahead of the upcoming 10-day Ganesh festival next month, the Bhide Bridge over the Mutha River in Pune — closed since April 20 to construct a foot overbridge — will be reopened by August 20 temporarily to help alleviate the congestion during the festive season. The Pune Metro has announced a temporary halt in construction activities during this period. Officials said that the bridge would be closed to traffic after the festival concludes. Municipal Commissioner Naval Kishore Ram has stated that the Bhide Bridge connecting Shaniwar Peth to the Deccan Gymkhana area will be opened by August 20 to facilitate the movement of devotees during the festival. The immersion of Ganesh idols takes place in the artificial tanks set up alongside the river, and the parking of vehicles is also arranged in this area. Initially, the Pune Metro closed the bridge for one and a half months, from April 20 to June 6. However, traffic restrictions continued beyond the timeframe due to construction delays. Hemant Sonawane, executive director of Pune Metro, said, 'The Pune Metro will take a break in construction of the footover bridge and clear the Bhide bridge for use by citizens till August 20. It is not possible to complete the work before the Ganesh festival, and the work has to be resumed later on'. Additionally, another footover cable bridge has been nearly completed over the river connecting Shaniwar Peth with Bal Gandharva Metro station, but it is yet to be opened for public use. The two routes of Pune Metro rail are currently operational, and efforts are underway to develop additional infrastructure. The two foot overbridges being constructed by Pune Metro would enhance connectivity for residents of Shaniwar Peth, Narayan Peth, and Laxmi road to the Metro stations across the Mutha River. Currently, motorists are using alternative routes, including the Z-bridge, Lakdi Pool, and Bal Gandharva bridge to cross over to the Mutha River. Ajay Jadhav is an Assistant Editor with The Indian Express, Pune. He writes on Infrastructure, Politics, Civic issues, Sustainable Development and related stuff. He is a trekker and a sports enthusiast. Ajay has written research articles on the Conservancy staff that created a nationwide impact in framing policy to improve the condition of workers handling waste. Ajay has been consistently writing on politics and infrastructure. He brought to light the lack of basic infrastructure of school and hospital in the hometown of Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde even as two private helipads were developed by the leader who mostly commutes from Mumbai to Satara in helicopter. Ajay has been reporting on sustainable development initiatives that protects the environment while ensuring infrastructure development. ... Read More
Time of India
20-07-2025
- General
- Time of India
Keep plots clean near airport to deter dogs and birds: PMC
Pune: The civic body has issued a notice to owners of private land plots near Lohegaon airport, instructing them to remove garbage from their properties within a week. The decision was made after Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) commissioner Naval Kishore Ram and his team conducted an extensive survey of such properties in Lohegaon, Wagholi and Kharadi on Saturday. Ram told TOI, "If we don't keep properties in the airport's vicinity clean, air operations won't be smooth. I noticed large birds flying over many spots filled with rubbish. We have instructed the owners to ensure their properties are clean. We will fine them if they do not comply. We will seize the properties under the Municipal Act if they still fail to act." You Can Also Check: Pune AQI | Weather in Pune | Bank Holidays in Pune | Public Holidays in Pune The Indian Air Force (IAF) manages the Pune Air Force station (AFS) and officials have raised several civic concerns regarding the area surrounding Lohegaon airport because of recent incidents of bird strikes and stray dogs on the runways. In response, PMC has made changes in its waste collection process. Now, garbage is lifted in three shifts and a dog-catching team does the rounds twice a week. "Despite our efforts, plots in Wagholi and Kharadi remain filled with trash and attract large birds which then fly in the airport's flight zone. It poses a significant risk to air operations and we must act quickly. I have directed our civic officials to work diligently and improve the situation on ground over the coming months," he added. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like American Investor Warren Buffett Recommends: 5 Books For Turning Your Life Around Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo Lohegaon, Wagholi and Kharadi have hundreds of empty plots owned by developers and real estate agents. Residents living nearby dump garbage at these sites daily. It hinders the civic teams' attempts to lift trash, according to officials. "Our teams will also visit private shops and warn them not to throw waste in open areas. We will conduct awareness campaigns. Cleanliness has improved in Lohegaon relatively speaking, but it is still to be the best," said PMC chief. Civic officials are working in tandem with the IAF in Lohegaon and surrounding areas to maintain required cleanliness standards in the airport's vicinity. "However, it will take a few months to see the results . We have also decided to increase our manpower in Wagholi and Kharadi to push the cleanliness drive and streamline garbage collection," the commissioner said. A senior IAF officer, who has served at the AFS Lohegaon, told TOI on the condition of anonymity, "Our primary concern is to make areas in the vicinity of the station free of garbage. We have deployed a team to keep away birds from inside the airport. However, it is not possible to manage the situation outside. It is very risky for pilots if there are flocks of birds in the flying zone. Birds react to aircrafts as just another bird and often do not change their flying trajectory. We have experienced such incidents at the Pune station." PMC officials also visited the Hadapsar trenching ground in the industrial zone, where the Pune Cantonment Board dumps garbage. "We will develop a dedicated biomining plant to process the waste at the site. This particular zone also attracts large birds, which can interfere with the flying zone," said a senior PMC official.
Time of India
20-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Pune & Khadki cantonment residents seek clarity on FSI after merger approval with PMC
Pune: Residents and civic activists have sought clarity about the future floor space index (FSI) regulations in Pune and Khadki cantonment areas, following state govt's approval to merge them into Pune Municipal Corporation limits. The cantonment boards have submitted proposals recommending a maximum FSI of 1 in the merged areas, considering defence establishment security needs. This is higher than the current 0.5 FSI in the cantonment areas but lower than PMC's 1.1-3 FSI range. The boards emphasized that any excision (or exclusion) from their jurisdiction should not lead to unrestricted FSI. PMC commissioner Naval Kishore Ram told TOI, "The FSI is the paramount factor for the development of any municipal body. While the chief minister has expressed a desire to develop Pune and Khadki cantonment boards and provide quality civic services, there was no discussion or decision on the FSI in the meeting. So, at this juncture, we cannot comment further on the matter." You Can Also Check: Pune AQI | Weather in Pune | Bank Holidays in Pune | Public Holidays in Pune On the Old Grant Bungalows (OGBs) properties, Ram said, "We will study the nitty-gritty of these properties in the coming days. I will personally visit the PCB and KCB areas. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Exciting Offers on vivo X200 FE ViVO X200 FE Book Now Undo If required, our officials will also conduct a preliminary survey there to understand the issue on the ground." As far as the merging of the cantonment assets was concerned, Ram said, "We are absolutely clear on this matter. We will merge as it is." Sachin Mathurawala, the only nominated board member of the PCB, told TOI, "There is a lack of clarity regarding the FSI and properties associated with old grants to date. For the public interest, this is the most important factor, as it will determine the future development of cantonment areas." C Ravindra, principal director (defence estates), Southern Command, who is the head of the 19 cantonments of the Southern Command, did not respond to TOI's phone calls and messages. A senior official from the Directorate General of Defence Estates, who attended the meeting, said, "We have already submitted our proposals to state govt, where we specifically addressed the FSI and the security concerns of local military authorities. Following Friday's meeting, we expect to receive govt's feedback in writing, which we will then present to the ministry for a final decision." The residents argued that FSI restrictions were a significant obstacle to the development of cantonment areas. Activist Rajabhau Chavan said, "We should have an FSI similar to that of PMC. There should be no restrictions on it." A trader from MG Road, who has been running his business for the last three decades, said, "The cantonment authorities did not pay heed to people's issues for the last decade." Another businessman, who runs an apparel store on MG Road, said, "Gardens in the cantonment are in a bad state, roads are riddled with potholes, health services are substandard, garbage disposal and the overall development of the Pune cantonment are in a pathetic state. The merger was much needed for us." A section of old residents expressed sadness about losing the 'peculiar identity' of the cantonment. "The Pune and Khadki cantonment boards are one of the oldest military garrisons in the country. Each corner of them holds historical significance. They have seen several military actions and decisions in the past. The houses, food, arts, culture, people's lifestyle, and so many factors are different from the rest of the city. All these things are likely to become history after the merger," said Col Vinay Dalvi (retd,) who served in the Southern Command.
