New panel soon to look into Pune traffic woes

Member of the legislative council (MLC), Mohan Joshi, said on Sunday state home minister, RR Patil, has assured him of reviving the high-level committee regarding traffic problems in the city and hold a meeting in January 2011.

He said in the recently concluded session of the state legislature, he had raised the issue of traffic problems in the city.

During discussions, Patil said earlier that a high-level committee under the chairmanship of urban development department secretary was formed to deal with traffic problems in the city and only one meeting was held.

The committee had recommended deployment of 492 police personnel to regulate traffic.

The legislator said Patil assured that the home department would provide more personnel for traffic as well as a new high-level committee would be formed by organising a meeting on the issue in January.

A part of the fine collected for violation of traffic rules should be provided for improving the traffic situation in the city.
At present, the fine is deposited in the state government treasury. Patil assured to communicate with the finance department on the issue.
Joshi said he also raised the problem of non-availability of funds for extension of Sassoon Hospital.
District guardian minister and state finance minister, Ajit Pawar, had assured to grant Rs20 crore for the Rs40-crore project during the cornerstone laying ceremony.
The construction of the new building has been stopped for want of funds.