Pune News: Decision to begin equestrian academy put on hold by PCMC

In response to public protest and after the matter was brought up during Tuesday’s assembly session, the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) decided to put on hold the beginning of the equestrian academy in Moshi.

The PCMC had made the decision to lease an open space in Chikhali’s Jadhavwadi neighborhood—which is frequented by youths for outdoor sports—to an equestrian academy.

The decision caused controversy because locals argued that it will eliminate the only field available for sports in the community.

On Tuesday during the assembly session, Legislative Council member & Shiv Sena (UBT) politician Sachin Ahir brought up the matter.

Sachin Ahir pointed out to Ajit Pawar, the deputy chief minister of Maharashtra, that the ground is the only area available for sports use by 15,000–20,000 citizens.

Ahir stated that the equestrian academy should be located somewhere else, and the ground should be maintained for the citizens. The PCMC officials should receive the instructions. Three kilometers away, there is another space available for the academy.

In response to the issue, Ajit Pawar told the assembly that he would personally contact PCMC Commissioner Shekhar Singh to resolve the matter after the session.

PCMC Commissioner Shekhar Singh stated that they are searching for other options for the academy and have put the decision on hold.

Singh further stated that in order to minimize disruption to the citizens, they have found an area that is only 800–900 meters away for citizens to use for sports. Hence, the PCMC has now made the decision to find a different location for the equestrian academy.