Pune Zilla Parishad Cancels 135 Projects, Leaves Citizens Stranded Without Infrastructure”

In a significant move, the standing committee of the Pune Zilla Parishad has decided to cancel 135 projects that were sanctioned but had not commenced since the fiscal year 2018-19. This action, amounting to Rs 763.94 lakh in budgeted funds, has drawn criticism for its impact on citizens’ access to essential infrastructure.

According to the Maharashtra Accountant General’s annual audit report for 2023, obtained under the Right To Information Act, these projects encompassed various initiatives proposed by Zilla Parishad members between 2015-16 and 2018-19. They ranged from road construction and bridges to community halls, religious site development, and health-related works.

The report highlighted the adverse consequences of cancelling these projects, emphasizing how it deprived citizens of basic infrastructure. It pointed out flaws in the Zilla Parishad’s planning and execution processes. Additionally, the audit report flagged 117 ongoing projects, including rural road construction, tribal area development, and bridge repairs, which had commenced between 2018 and 2022 but remained incomplete.

The Zilla Parishad cited reasons like land unavailability and delays due to monsoons for the project halts. However, the consequences of these delays have left rural areas without vital amenities. Pune Zilla Parishad oversees rural areas in Pune, excluding those under the Pune Municipal Corporation, Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation, and three Cantonment boards.

Former Zilla Parishad member emphasized the need for proactive measures from both the administration and elected representatives to prevent such situations. He noted that projects often get stuck due to land disputes or acquisition issues, highlighting the importance of effective oversight and resolution.

As the delay in conducting elections to the Pune Zilla Parishad persists due to legal challenges, citizens are left grappling with incomplete infrastructure projects, raising concerns about their access to essential services.