Devendra Fadnavis Announces Plans for Sustainable, Pollution-Free Pune in Election Rally
Devendra Fadnavis Announces Plans for Sustainable, Pollution-Free Pune in Election Rally
Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced on Wednesday that both the state and central governments are implementing various initiatives to transform Pune. Speaking at his first election rally in the city, he emphasized that efforts are underway to make Pune a livable, sustainable, and pollution-free city. He highlighted plans for a 24/7 drinking water supply and assured that sewage will only be released into rivers after thorough treatment, aiming to restore the cleanliness of the Mula-Mutha River. Fadnavis also praised MLA Madhuri Misal, stating that he advocated for starting the election campaign in Pune from the Parvati Assembly seat due to her impressive work and popularity among the public. He expressed confidence that she would achieve her fourth consecutive victory.
Fadnavis mentioned that Madhuri played a crucial role in developing the rules for the Slum Rehabilitation Project. He recounted that when officials presented the SRA rules to him, he insisted they first seek Madhuri Tai’s approval. This was because she had spent seven to eight years advocating for housing for slum-dwellers, making the scheme viable, and securing an increased Floor Space Index (FSI). After reviewing the rules with her, she proposed some changes that were implemented. As a result, they are now constructing 20,000 homes for slum-dwellers in the area. Fadnavis noted that instead of the usual 350 square feet homes, they are providing 470 square feet homes for the poor, highlighting Madhuri Misal’s significant contribution to this initiative.
Fadnavis mentioned that in the Parvati Assembly seat, flood-affected residents were seeking ownership rights for their homes. He stated that they have granted ownership rights to 103 societies, benefiting around 35,000 people. He credited the success of this long-standing struggle, which lasted 60 years, to the efforts of representatives like Madhuri Misal.
He also highlighted that it was the BJP government that expedited the Pune Metro project. Fadnavis expressed pride in the fact that the Pune Metro was one of the fastest-completed metro projects in the country. He pointed out that before their administration, the UPA government had only announced the project but was not prepared to implement it. After he assumed the role of chief minister, he convened a meeting with Union minister Nitin Gadkari, and they committed to advancing the Pune Metro project, even establishing the Maha Metro company to ensure its swift execution.
Fadnavis mentioned that the multi-modal hub being established in Swargate is the most advanced in the country. He credited Madhuri Misal for suggesting the integration of PMPML, MSRTC bus, and Pune Metro train services through this hub. He also highlighted that the approval of the Swargate-Katraj Metro plan is another significant achievement of the Mahayuti government.
Fadnavis further illustrated the efficiency of the Mahayuti government by sharing an example from his recent visit to Pune. Local leaders proposed the implementation of the Khadakwasla to Kharadi Metro project. While he was in the car, he called the officials and instructed them to prepare the Detailed Project Report (DPR). Remarkably, within just one week, the Cabinet approved the Khadakwasla to Kharadi project, showcasing the government’s prompt action and commitment to infrastructure development.
Fadnavis pointed out that Pune’s biggest issue is traffic congestion. He highlighted that PMPML has the largest electric vehicle fleet and announced plans to implement a ring road that aims to significantly reduce traffic problems in Pune. He mentioned that the government is set to invest Rs 20,000 crore in multi-modal connectivity, which will help streamline traffic in the city.
Additionally, he criticized MVA leaders like Nana Patole and Sharad Pawar for their stance on the Ladki Bahin Yojana and other schemes. Fadnavis expressed his discontent with their intentions to potentially close these programs if they come to power, urging them not to target the financial assistance being provided to women.
