Citizens in Distress, Commissioner on a ‘Korea Express’
Kashinath Nakhate Questions Overseas Visit Amid Civic Issues
PIMPRI-CHINCHWAD : With several civic issues related to water supply, garbage management, healthcare and roads continuing to affect residents of Pimpri-Chinchwad, labour leader Kashinath Nakhate has criticised Municipal Commissioner Dr. Vijay Suryawanshi for undertaking a nine-day visit to South Korea.
“Citizens are left in the lurch while the Commissioner is on a Korea tour,” Nakhate said, questioning the timing of the overseas visit when several basic civic issues require immediate attention. According to the civic administration, Suryawanshi is participating in the Digital Water Accelerator Programme at a conference being held in South Korea from October 3 to 11. However, Nakhate said the Commissioner should give priority to addressing the city’s water-related problems, with residents in several areas reportedly facing difficulties in accessing adequate water supply.
Nakhate also questioned the availability of the Commissioner for citizens seeking to raise their grievances. He said Tuesdays and Thursdays have been designated as days for citizens to meet the Commissioner regarding important civic matters, but residents allegedly continue to face difficulties in meeting him and presenting their complaints. He questioned whether an overseas visit was appropriate when citizens were allegedly unable to meet the civic chief over their day-to-day problems.
Garbage Management Under Scanner
Nakhate also criticised the municipal administration over the city’s garbage management. He said there has been opposition from various quarters to the proposed establishment of garbage collection centres at the city’s 10 regional offices, while garbage and foul odour continue to remain concerns in several parts of Pimpri-Chinchwad.
He said sanitation workers continue to perform their duties under difficult conditions and urged the administration to take the garbage management issue more seriously.
Roads and Healthcare Issues
Nakhate further raised concerns over potholes and road safety, saying accidents linked to poor road conditions remain a concern. He also highlighted difficulties allegedly faced by citizens while accessing treatment and other facilities at municipal hospitals.
According to Nakhate, the administration should prioritise these basic civic and healthcare issues and take time-bound measures to address residents’ concerns.
He also alleged that since Suryawanshi took charge as PCMC Commissioner, a perception has emerged among ordinary citizens, economically weaker sections, workers, housing-project beneficiaries and hawkers that their concerns are not receiving adequate attention.
Nakhate said that while the Commissioner’s participation in an international programme may have its own objectives, the administration must ensure that the city’s immediate civic problems are not overlooked.
He urged Suryawanshi to return from South Korea with concrete plans and practical solutions that could help improve water supply, garbage management, healthcare services and road conditions in Pimpri-Chinchwad.
Nakhate also remarked that the Commissioner should bring back “a gift in the form of a concrete plan and something beneficial for the city” from the Korea visit.
