Shiv Sena MP Shrirang Barne Pushes for Science City to be Built in Pimpri-Chinchwad
The proposed Bharat Ratna Rajiv Gandhi Vigyan Avishkar Nagri, also known as Science City, which is planned for Pune’s Mundvaya, has sparked controversy as Shiv Sena MP from Maval, Shrirang Barne, strongly advocates for its establishment in Pimpri-Chinchwad.
Barne’s plea to the state government comes as he protests the current site selection adjacent to the Science Park at the Pimpri-Chinchwad station.
In a significant move, MP Barne held meetings with Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, School Education Minister Deepak Kesarkar, and Industries Minister Uday Samant to present his case.
The State Government had initially chosen the Pimpri-Chinchwad municipal area as the site for the Science City back on September 1, 2019. The original plan placed the Science City in proximity to the existing science park and planetarium in Chinchwad, a decision backed by the Municipal Commissioner.
The proposed location, however, is met with resistance from the local citizens. With approximately three lakh students from across the state annually visiting the Science Park, the original choice held the promise of significant educational benefits.
Despite this, the project has shifted towards being built on 25 acres of land designated for cowshed rehabilitation in Mundhwa, which has caused dissatisfaction among residents.
MP Barne contends that the ideal location for the Science City is within Pimpri-Chinchwad, citing the precedent set by the State of Gujarat, which established a Science Center independently. He also points to the existence of the Pimpri Municipal Corporation’s Science Park and the presence of influential entrepreneurs in the Pimpri-Chinchwad area who could contribute to a thriving vertical science city.
The Industries Minister, Uday Samant, has expressed readiness to allocate MIDC seats if required, reflecting the support for the project’s success. However, the decision to potentially bypass Pimpri-Chinchwad in favor of Pune has triggered concern. Some government officials are endorsing this move, prompting MP Barne’s vehement opposition. Barne argues that the proposal overlooks the existing resources and infrastructure in Pimpri-Chinchwad, a viewpoint shared by Chief Minister, Industries Minister, and Education Minister.
The news of the potential shift of Science City to Pune has ignited public discontent, leading MP Barne to intensify his efforts to rally support for the project’s establishment in Pimpri-Chinchwad. Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar’s leadership in the Pimpri-Chinchwad area has raised expectations among the residents that their voices will be heard, and the city’s interests will be prioritized.
As the debate continues, it remains to be seen whether Science City will indeed find its home in Pimpri-Chinchwad, paving the way for an exciting future of scientific exploration for the region’s youth.
