Pune: The civic body’s standing committee has recently taken various decisions regarding road-widening, tree conservation, shifting of an animal incinerator, among others, for the city’s betterment.The committee has decided to move the animal incinerator away from Bavdhan to Bopodi. Chairperson Shrinath Bhimale said, “The civic administration will shift the facility to the sewage treatment plant premises in Bopodi for a bigger and better space, spending approximately Rs39.1 lakh for the relocation.” The scope of the works would include construction of an RCC foundation for the incinerator, installation of a chimney and lightning arrester, earthing, setting up a shed for water scrubbers, structural steel work, welding, painting and establishing necessary electrical infrastructure.The committee has allowed upgradation of the Yashwantrao Chavan auditorium and increase in licence transfer fees for hawkers.Yet another proposal was cleared to fix a 30m road line, currently at 20m to 25m, for the stretch between Bindu Madhav Thackeray Chowk (Sangamwadi) and Ambedkar Chowk in Yerawada. It would include land acquisition, plan approvals and development works for the road-widening. The decision was expected to benefit commuters travelling to and from Yerawada, Sangamwadi, Vimannagar, Pune railway station and Nagar Road. “The stretch experiences heavy traffic, leading to frequent congestion. Widening the road will increase traffic capacity, reduce travel time and improve access for emergency service vehicles. It will also facilitate the planned development of pavements, stormwater drains, underground utilities and other civic infrastructure,” said a senior PMC official.An independent system in 15 ward offices for tree conservation also got the nod and the committee approved Rs1.5 crore (Rs10 lakh to each ward office) for the plan. “A structured tree plantation programme will be implemented. A special team comprising 11 personnel and chaired by the respective ward officer will be formed. It will be responsible for handling tree plantation, conservation, pruning of dangerous trees, resolving citizens’ grievances and general maintenance work,” Bhimale added.A proposal was approved that would help the present and former PMC corporators as well as the current and former members of the education board and the PMPML to receive permanent benefits under the civic body’s contributory medical assistance scheme. It would ensure that eligible beneficiaries received financial assistance on time. It would help offset major expenses incurred during treatment of serious illnesses, cardiac diseases, surgeries and other critical health issues.
