BJP Manifesto for Civic Poll Backs Separate ‘Shivneri’ District for Pimpri Chinchwad, Outlines Infrastructure and Governance Reforms
BJP Manifesto for Civic Poll Backs Separate ‘Shivneri’ District for Pimpri Chinchwad, Outlines Infrastructure and Governance Reforms
Pune: Ahead of the upcoming civic elections, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has released its manifesto promising to pursue the long-standing demand for carving out a separate district for Pimpri Chinchwad, proposed to be named ‘Shivneri’. The assurance was among several key commitments announced at a public rally in Akurdi on Saturday, where Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis unveiled the party’s agenda.
The demand for a separate district is not new. BJP MLA Mahesh Landge had raised the issue in 2023, citing Pimpri Chinchwad’s rapid urban expansion and the growing need for an independent administrative framework. Reacting to the proposal, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar on Sunday said the government would not oppose any decision that benefits the city. “If a decision helps Pimpri Chinchwad in any way, we will not stand against it,” Pawar said.
Focus on Industrial Hubs
The manifesto also proposes the formation of separate industrial municipal corporations for the Hinjewadi and Chakan–Talegaon MIDC areas. A large number of employees working in these industrial and IT hubs live in Pimpri Chinchwad, while inadequate infrastructure—especially during last year’s monsoon—had drawn criticism. The issues had earlier prompted both Fadnavis and Pawar to conduct multiple review meetings with officials.
Notably, Fadnavis had last year opposed the creation of additional municipal corporations in Pune when Ajit Pawar suggested the need for at least three more civic bodies to manage the city’s growth.
Distinct Identity and Urban Projects
To strengthen Pimpri Chinchwad’s independent identity, BJP leaders promised to ensure that online shopping platforms and post offices clearly mention Pimpri Chinchwad instead of Pune in addresses.
The party also reaffirmed its commitment to implementing the urban street design project across the city, despite resistance in areas such as Akurdi and Nigdi. While residents have alleged that widened footpaths have narrowed roads and worsened traffic congestion, the BJP maintained that the project follows global standards and will improve long-term traffic management.
Transport, Environment and Civic Services
Among other major proposals in the manifesto are:
- Exploring the feasibility of a water metro service on the Pavana, Indrayani and Mula rivers as an alternative mode of transport
- A water-first policy for new construction permissions
- Development of the Dehu–Alandi Bhakti Corridor
- Setting up a Waste-to-Wealth Technology Park
- Establishment of a Centre for Invention, Innovation, Incubation and Training
- A ‘One-Stop Shop’ and Special Task Force to help residents access PCMC, state and central government schemes
- Mohalla clinics to strengthen primary healthcare
- Free legal assistance for citizens
The manifesto also mentions efforts to resolve long-pending civic issues, including the red zone restrictions linked to the defence ministry and flood line demarcations. Fadnavis said a positive decision on the red zone matter is expected in the coming months and that a fresh survey will be conducted to re-demarcate blue and red flood lines across the state.
Addressing the rally, the chief minister described Pimpri Chinchwad as one of India’s fastest-growing cities, stating that its expansion in the coming years would outpace Pune. Highlighting civic achievements, he noted that Pimpri Chinchwad ranked first in Maharashtra and seventh nationally in the Swachh Survekshan due to improved waste management and the use of advanced technology. He added that the BJP would continue its development initiatives to match the city’s rapid growth trajectory.
