Pune: Kasba Peth MLA Hemant Rasane Demands Immediate Use Of ₹26.25 Crore Hill Conservation Fund | File Photo
The Pune Municipal Corporation’s Standing Committee had approved a five-year expenditure plan of ₹26.25 crore for the conservation of hills at Pachgaon-Parvati, Bhamburda and Warje for the period from 2022 to 2027. However, the funds remain unused to date, resulting in delays in implementing safety and ecological conservation measures on these hills. MLA Hemant Rasane has written to the Municipal Commissioner, urging immediate allocation and utilisation of the sanctioned amount.
Rasane stated, “In 2021, the Standing Committee approved an annual expenditure of ₹5.25 crore, totalling ₹26.25 crore by 2027. But during the tenure of the Commissioner and Administrator, the funds were not utilised. This delay must end now, and the funds should be used promptly to ensure conservation and citizen safety. The Joint Forest Management Scheme includes construction of security walls, tree plantation, nurseries, deployment of security personnel, and installation of CCTV systems.”
In a recent incident, a youth was robbed at knife-point of a gold chain worth ₹1.5 lakh while walking on Taljai hill. Earlier, a Korean engineer was similarly robbed on Baner Hill. These incidents have reignited serious safety concerns. Although Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had approved funds for CCTV cameras, panic buttons and police patrolling, implementation is still lacking, Rasane pointed out.
Rasane further said, “In 2006, the Urban Joint Forest Management initiative was launched in Pune with the participation of the Forest Department, PMC and local citizens. PMC has been providing financial support for this initiative. From 2006 to 2011, ₹10.23 crore was sanctioned, of which ₹9.61 crore was utilised. From 2014 to 2019, ₹4.80 crore was allocated, and only ₹2.31 crore was spent. For the 2022 to 2027 period, ₹26.25 crore has been sanctioned. As the then Standing Committee Chairman, I approved this expenditure policy. However, the funds remained unutilised during the administrative rule. It must now be made available urgently.”
