'Supply of drinking water is major issue before board' says Former Pune Cantonment Board (PCB) Vice-President

Former Pune Cantonment Board (PCB) Vice-President Vinod Mathurawala is the senior most public representative from Pune Cantonment. Known for strong administrative skills and a good rapport with the citizens and defence estates bureaucracy, currently he is serving as the General Secretary of the All India Cantonment Boards Vice-Presidents and Members Association, an umbrella organisation, which acts as a pressure group to resolve various issues related to civilians in the cantonment areas. He spoke to Nadeem Inamdar on the problems before the residents in the aftermath of the dissolved board and the future roadmap for the citizens.


What kind of problems do you foresee in the wake of dissolution of the cantonment board?
The method of direct representation of people problems through public representation comes to an end with the dissolution of the cantonment board. However, the Chief Executive Officer has the powers to look into the issues of the people and ensure that they get the civic amenities on time. The cantonment residents are facing problems related to garbage, non-functional of street lights, littering and other issues. They have to come to the PCB directly and lodge their grievances. Earlier, their representatives put forth their problems before the board and got them resolved. Scarcity of drinking water supply and its equitable distribution is one of the major issues before the board.

How can cantonment residents get their grievance addressed in such a scenario?
The cantonment residents can directly approach the department heads of cantonment board and inform them about their complaints, preferably in writing. They can get in touch with the CEO and also inform him about their problems in case they find that the lower staff is not prompt in dealing with their issues.

What is the status of developmental works being carried out by the PCB? Have they stopped ?
The infrastructure strengthening work is in full swing and the other sanctioned work are in progress as dissolution of the board has nothing to do with the developmental project. Besides, all former elected representatives and the staffers of the cantonment board come under the guidance of the CEO. The board administration under the directions of Pune Sub Area has taken all necessary steps to ensure that the residents get quality amenities on time.We are extremely satisfied with the work of the board administration.

What about the FSI issue? Do you plan to take it to the highest levels of the defence ministry?
The Floor Space Index (FSI) issue is very dear to cantonment residents and we will ensure that a decision which is in the best interests of people, board administration and army authorities is taken. Currently, the matter is pending before the army headquarters and efforts are underway to convince the authorities about the importance of increased FSI.