Moshi Tragedy: Shiv Sena Leader Chetan Pawar Questions PCMC’s Role, Demands Accountability

‘How Did a Three-Storey Building Come Up? Why Was No Action Taken ?’

Pimpri-Chinchwad : More than three months after the fatal accident at the Waste-to-Energy (WTE) project at the Moshi garbage depot, questions are being raised over the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation’s (PCMC) silence on the inquiry report and action against those responsible for the deaths of nine workers.

Shiv Sena (UBT) city chief Chetan Pawar has strongly criticised the civic administration, questioning its construction monitoring and safety mechanisms. He alleged that while the civic body takes immediate action against unauthorised constructions by economically weaker residents, it failed to act when a three-storey building allegedly came up within the Moshi garbage depot premises.

“How could a three-storey building come up at the Moshi garbage depot? If an ordinary poor citizen undertakes construction, municipal officials immediately initiate action. Then, where were the officials when such a large structure was being built? Why was this serious matter overlooked? Are there different rules for ordinary citizens and projects under the administration’s supervision?” Pawar questioned.

Pawar also raised concerns over the alleged lack of accountability of officials associated with the project. He specifically referred to Sanjay Kulkarni, who was serving as PCMC’s chief engineer and head of the Environment Department, and questioned the absence of visible action despite his administrative responsibilities and supervisory role concerning the depot.

The issue was raised during a press conference organised in Pimpri on Wednesday (November 4) by political parties and social organisations associated with the INDIA bloc. Congress city president Narendra Bansode, social activists Maruti Bhapkar and Manav Kamble, Chetan Pawar, Prakash Jadhav, Vaijnath Shirsat, Dhanaji Yelkar, Satish Kale and Ananda Kudale were present.

Demand for Public Disclosure of Inquiry Report

The representatives said a high-level inquiry committee headed by the Pune Divisional Commissioner was appointed by the state Urban Development Department following the July 8, 2026, accident. The committee reportedly submitted its final report to the government on September 22, 2026.

They demanded that the complete report, including its findings, technical observations and recommendations, be made public. They also sought details of the government’s decisions and action taken on the committee’s recommendations. Inquiries by the National Green Tribunal, Maharashtra Pollution Control Board and police are also underway.

Compensation and Legal Action

The INDIA bloc representatives demanded a detailed account of the compensation, insurance benefits and other assistance announced for the families of the nine deceased workers. They alleged that all families may not have received the promised assistance. They also sought an update on the Special Investigation Team’s probe, registered cases, chargesheets and the legal status of the accused.

The representatives demanded concrete administrative and legal action against those found responsible, stating that merely appointing inquiry committees without disclosing findings or fixing accountability would not deliver justice to the deceased workers and their families.

“How could a three-storey building come up at the Moshi garbage depot without the civic administration noticing it? Municipal officials act immediately against constructions by ordinary citizens. Why was the same vigilance missing here? Are there different rules for common people and projects under the administration’s supervision?”

— Chetan Pawar, Shiv Sena (UBT) City Chief.