A 50-Year Roadmap for Sustainable Development of Pimpri-Chinchwad; Narwekar Praises Suryawanshi’s Vision
Follow constitutional means while registering dissent: Rahul Narwekar
Pimpri : Every citizen must follow constitutional means while expressing dissent; otherwise, it may lead to anarchy, cautioned Maharashtra Legislative Assembly Speaker Adv. Rahul Narwekar.
The Marathi Journalists’ Association organised a special felicitation ceremony attended by Maharashtra Legislative Assembly Speaker Adv. Rahul Narwekar; MLA Amit Gorkhe; Leader of Opposition Bhausaheb Bhoir; Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation Commissioner Dr. Vijay Suryawanshi; Additional Commissioners Kuldeep Jangam and Vikrant Bagade; Special Officer Kiran Gaikwad; Marathi Journalists’ Association State President Kiran Joshi; Lokmat Editor Sanjay Awate; Dainik Pudhari Editor Sunil Mali; Let’s Up Marathi Editor Yogesh Kute; Pudhari Media Group Associate Editor Mrinalini Nanivdekar; News18 Marathi Associate Editor Vishal Pardeshi; along with journalists from various media organisations and a large number of citizens.
At the ceremony, Assembly Speaker Adv. Rahul Narwekar and PCMC Commissioner Dr. Vijay Suryawanshi were specially felicitated with citations by veteran social worker Padma Shri Girish Prabhune. Narwekar was speaking in response to the honour. On this occasion, Dr. Suryawanshi presented, through a digital presentation, his vision for Pimpri-Chinchwad’s sustainable development over the next 50 years.
Praising Pimpri-Chinchwad’s growth, Rahul Narwekar said that the city is well-known across Asia and globally, and is among the fastest-growing cities. Its infrastructure and civic amenities are noteworthy. However, it is essential to align future needs with increasing urbanisation. Commissioner Dr. Vijay Suryawanshi has set the objective of creating a detailed and well-planned development model for Pimpri-Chinchwad after considering all available civic facilities. He will certainly succeed in this mission and take the city to new heights of development.
“I got an opportunity to visit Pimpri-Chinchwad after many years. What was once a village-like area has transformed, over the last few decades, into a highly impressive and developed city. This progress is an excellent example not only for Maharashtra but for the whole of Asia,” he said.
Narwekar further stated that PCMC is among the well-regarded municipal corporations in Asia. The city offers an excellent example of how rapid urbanisation can be managed in a more planned and sustainable manner.
He added that a city’s development is not limited to creating infrastructure. Along with growing urbanisation, it is equally important to improve citizens’ quality of life, strengthen the administration and respond effectively to public expectations. The work being undertaken in Pimpri-Chinchwad in this direction is significant.
The event also featured an engaging public interview of Rahul Narwekar. He responded candidly and effectively to questions asked by editors from different media organisations.
Accepting the honour, Commissioner Dr. Vijay Suryawanshi said, “Pimpri-Chinchwad has accepted me as one of its own. As the city’s reputation continues to rise, achieving its comprehensive and sustainable development is my foremost objective. This honour has strengthened my sense of responsibility, and I will make every possible effort for the city’s development.”
He said that journalists play a vital role in bringing civic issues, citizens’ difficulties and administrative challenges before the government and the administration. Along with giving voice to public concerns, the media objectively examines the functioning of the administration and raises questions wherever necessary. Journalists’ criticism and the issues they place before the administration are important for the city’s development, as they help the municipal administration identify shortcomings and provide an opportunity for improvement.
“Journalists should always hold a mirror to the administration, and the administration should work to improve the reflection seen in that mirror. Instead of viewing issues raised by journalists merely as criticism, the administration should identify the improvements needed for the city’s development,” Dr. Suryawanshi said.
He expressed confidence that the municipal corporation would continue working to strengthen the administration through coordination among the administration, elected representatives, media and citizens; by understanding citizens’ expectations; using available resources effectively; and maintaining transparency.
Pimpri-Chinchwad Development Plan for the Next 50 Years
Through a digital presentation, Commissioner Dr. Vijay Suryawanshi outlined several aspects of Pimpri-Chinchwad’s sustainable, planned and long-term development for the next 50 years.
The presentation covered long-term water-supply planning; elevated water storage reservoirs within municipal limits; Pawana and Indrayani riverfront development projects; a drainage master plan; sustainable solid-waste management for the next 25 years; the present status and future development plans for reserved land acquired by the municipal corporation; public transport; urban drainage improvement projects; Development Plan roads; a data-centre policy framework; and a parking policy.
It also covered city beautification; urban greening; development and modernisation of gardens; strengthening hospital services; shelter centres for stray dogs; facilities for bulk-waste generators through registered partners; talent-search programmes; increasing the number of study centres and gyms; the Swabhiman Policy for sanitation workers; Accessible Pimpri-Chinchwad for All; employment generation for persons with disabilities; sanitation facility policy under ‘Operation Kayapalat’; sports facilities; the PCMC Grand Marathon; Science Park development; training policy for municipal employees; pension disbursement on the day of retirement; administrative efficiency and transparency; governance reforms; and initiatives such as the ‘Swagatam e-Pass’.
Honouring Achievers in Social Work and Journalism
The event also honoured distinguished contributors to social work. Awards were presented to Yashwant Bhosale, Founder President of Rashtriya Shramik Aghadi; D. K. Bhosale, President of SNBP School; Baba Kamble, President of Maharashtra Rickshaw Panchayat; Babasaheb Auti, President of Auti Group, which built Maharashtra’s first media tower; and Ravi Ghate, who has successfully implemented the ‘Daan Se Udaan’ initiative.
Senior Mumbai Lokmat journalist Durgesh Sonar, Dainik Sakal Chief Correspondent Pitambar Lohar, Pudhari Senior Correspondent Milind Kamble and veteran journalist Madhav Sahastrabuddhe were also honoured with special awards for their notable contribution to journalism.
Marathi Journalists’ Association State President Kiran Joshi delivered the introductory address. State Vice-President Vivek Inamdar proposed the vote of thanks, while Sandeep Chavan anchored the programme.
