It was a day of high drama in Pimpri-Chinchwad after rumours of municipal commissioner Dr Shrikar Pardeshi’s transfer left the residents agitated on Saturday.
Various citizen groups and members of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) hit the streets, demonstrating against the possible transfer of Pardeshi, who is known as ‘demolition man’ for his firm stand of razing illegal structures in the limits of the civic body.
Strong rumours were making the rounds that Pardeshi will get transfer orders on Saturday as the political leaders want Pardeshi to be transferred from Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) before the upcoming elections.
Citizen forums and AAP members gathered outside the PCMC building and demonstrated in support of Pardeshi.
Maruti Bhapkar, district convener of AAP, said, “The ruling party wants Pardeshi to be transferred as they want to protect illegal constructions. They fear it will have an impact on the election. We are protesting to give a strong message to the government that if he is transferred, we will have massive agitations in the city.”
Political leaders have been complaining about Pardeshi for his firm stand against illegal structures and in spite of the strong opposition, Pardeshi has continued his drive of razing illegal constructions.
Though the citizens whose houses were demolished have been complaining against the action, there are some people strongly supporting Pardeshi.
Manav Kamble, civic activist said, “Only because Pardeshi is not bending in front of leaders and is honestly doing his duty, they want him to be transferred.
Report card
l Dr Shrikar Pardeshi took over as commissioner of PCMC on May 19, 2012 and ever since he has taken a firm stand against illegal construction by razing them, which has given him the tag of ‘demolition man’.
l In Pardeshi’s 20 months’ tenure, 487 illegal structures were demolished. He he has also disconnected 209 illegal water connections provided to illegal constructions and disconnected drainage lines of 171 constructions.
l He had received threatening calls, warning him to stop action against illegal constructions. In spite of strong opposition, he has filed criminal cases against 2,000 persons.
l Not just the action against the illegal construction, Pardeshi also brought around discipline in the administrative work of PCMC. He transferred 1,500 officials and staffers who were working in the same place for several years. He suspended 40 staffers as disciplinary action.
l Pardeshi introduce Sarathi helpline as part of citizen-oriented policies. He also implemented e-governance policy effectively and now even the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) is replicating it.
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