Latest news with #ShekharSingh
Hindustan Times
20 hours ago
- Climate
- Hindustan Times
PCMC on alert for monsoon, palkhi processions
Following heavy rains, the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) has activated a coordinated emergency response to ensure safety of citizens and smooth conduct of the Sant Dnyaneshwar and Sant Tukaram palkhi processions, said officials. All zonal control rooms are operating 24x7 with dedicated teams in three shifts, according to statement released on Thursday. The fire and emergency services department has stationed over 15 rescue boats and 200 life jackets across various zones to handle any emergency. Flood-prone areas near the Pavana and Indrayani rivers are under constant surveillance, they said. Shekhar Singh, municipal commissioner, PCMC, said, 'We have anticipated such weather conditions and deployed teams, equipment, and control mechanisms accordingly.' Civic teams are working in mission mode to ensure smooth and safe passage for warkaris. Singh has directed departments to ensure zero waterlogging along the palkhi route. Emergency response units with mechanised equipment have been deployed at critical points across Bhosari, Dighi, and Nigdi. Citizens are advised to alert flood control room 020-67331111/020-28331111 for emergency situation.
Time of India
a day ago
- Business
- Time of India
PCMC cancels Charholi town planning scheme after CM's directive
Pune: The Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation officially cancelled the proposed town planning (TP) schemes for Charholi on Wednesday, following a directive from chief minister Devendra Fadnavis to the civic administration to withdraw the plan in the light of strong opposition from residents. Civic officials said the proposal to cancel the TP schemes was approved in the general body meeting by municipal commissioner and administrator Shekhar Singh on Wednesday. "Town planning schemes are meant for planned development. When landowners themselves are opposing it, it is not appropriate to proceed," a Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) official said. Fadnavis had said during his visit to the city on Wednesday, "The govt will not implement any project without taking people into confidence." He emphasised the importance of inclusive planning, particularly in a rapidly growing city like Pimpri Chinchwad, where development needs to be envisioned with a 50-year perspective. Residents argued that they lost a significant portion of land for various development works under the Development Plan (DP). They claimed that the new TP schemes would further reduce their landholding. Local political leaders also opposed the plan, pointing out that similar schemes had not been very successful in other parts of the state and could delay the development in Charholi. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Free P2,000 GCash eGift UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo "A revised draft of the DP for Pimpri Chinchwad has been published. It includes reservation for several amenities in the Charholi and Chikhali areas. Hence, a separate TP scheme was not needed," said a resident. Earlier, PCMC proposed five TP schemes in Charholi, spanning over 1,425 hectares. A strong resistance from residents, including a call for a "bandh" and a dramatic protest where residents climbed up a water tank, prompted the civic body to initially pause the scheme. The demand for a permanent cancellation of the schemes led to the final decision announced on Wednesday. A similar TP scheme proposed for the Chikhali area over 380 hectares was also cancelled following opposition from residents.
Indian Express
a day ago
- Climate
- Indian Express
Sant Tukaram Maharaj palkhi arrives in Pimpri-Chinchwad to a warm welcome
Amidst intermittent rain, the Sant Tukaram Maharaj palkhi procession arrived in Pimpri-Chinchwad around 5 pm on Thursday to a warm welcome from hundreds of people who had gathered at Bhakti Shakti Junction in Nigdi. The palkhi procession will take an overnight halt in Akurdi before leaving for Pandharpur on Friday morning. The Sant Tukaram Maharaj palkhi procession took off from Dehu on Wednesday. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis was present when the palkhi commenced its annual prilgrimage. After a day's halt, it started its onward journey on Thursday. On the other hand, the Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj palkhi procession left the temple town of Alandi in the morning. It will stay put at Gandhi Wada Alandi and will leave for Pandharpur on Friday morning. Both the palkhis will first reach Pune city by Friday afternoon and will take a day's rest before moving for its onward journey. During their halt in Pune city, the Sant Tukaram Maharaj palkhi will be stationed at Nivdunga Vithal temple while the Sant Dyanewshwar Maharaj Palkhi will rest at Vithoba temple The Sant Tukaram Maharaj palkhi procession left Inamdar Wada in Dehu at its appointed hour of 10.30 am unmindful of the heavy drizzle. When the palkhi procession reached Nigdi Chowk, Municipal Commissioner Shekhar Singh, MLA Mahesh Landge, MLC Uma Khapre, PCMC city engineer Makrand Nikam, additional commissioners Pradeep Jambhle Patil, Vijaykumar Kharote and several other officials were present. Like every year, the 'dindi' chiefs were felicitated by the PCMC administration. Both the palkhis will reach Pandharpur, the abode of Lord Vitthal on July 16, the Ashadhi Ekadashi day. Special focus on Palkhi procession With the Sant Dnyaneshwar and Sant Tukaram palkhi processions entering PCMC limits, civic teams are working in mission mode to ensure a smooth and safe passage for Warkaris, the PCMC administration said. Municipal Commissioner Shekhar Singh has directed all departments to ensure 'zero waterlogging' along the Palkhi route. A targeted cleanliness drive is underway, with special attention on stormwater chamber tops to avoid garbage-induced blockages. Emergency response units with mechanised equipment have been deployed at critical points across Bhosari, Dighi, and Nigdi, the civic administration said.
Indian Express
4 days ago
- General
- Indian Express
Students get a warm welcome as civic schools in Pimpri-Chinchwad open for the new academic year
As schools reopened for the new academic year on Monday, the first day of school turned into a day of celebration across all civic schools run by the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) with civic officials and elected representatives personally welcoming students with flowers, educational kits, and words of encouragement. At the PM Shri PCMC Gyanjyoti Savitribai Phule Primary School in Mhetrewadi, municipal commissioner Shekhar Singh formally inaugurated the 2025-26 academic year. He interacted with students, distributed educational materials, and inaugurated an innovation lab at the school. Speaking on the occasion, Singh underlined the civic body's commitment to not only improving the quality of education but also focusing on students' emotional and social development through structured initiatives in the upcoming academic year. The commissioner also highlighted that schools have commenced the distribution of uniforms, books, and learning kits through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system. 'We aim to improve not just academic outcomes but also ensure that students grow into confident and socially aware individuals. Schools are encouraged to come forward with suggestions in the best interest of students, and the administration will consider them positively,' he added. At other PCMC schools too, the day was filled with energy and enthusiasm. Elected representatives marked their presence at multiple schools. MLC Amit Gorakhe visited the PCMC public school at Swami Vivekanand Vidyamandir in Kalbhor Nagar and addressed students, noting the tremendous potential of children in municipal schools. 'I was once a student here. To return as the chief guest today is a moment of great pride,' he shared. MLC Uma Khapre participated in an event marking the first day of the school at Yashwantrao Chavan Girls' Primary School in Thergaon and praised teachers as sculptors shaping young minds. She emphasized that such welcoming ceremonies instil confidence and motivation among students at the start of the academic year. In Pimple Gurav, MLA Shankar Jagtap joined the school's welcome programme and urged students to make the most of their education and bring recognition to their school, city, and state. PCMC Additional Commissioner Pradip Jambhale Patil visited a school in Pimple Nilakh, where he was welcomed with dhol-tasha performances by students. He handed out educational kits and encouraged the teaching staff to continue focusing on academic excellence, which, he noted, has been drawing more students to municipal schools in recent years. Other senior civic officials, including Additional Commissioners Vijaykumar Khorate and Trupti Sandbhor, Chief accounts and finance officer Pravin Jain, Chief Information and Technology Officer Nilkanth Poman, and Deputy Commissioners Sachin Pawar, Rajesh Agale, and Mamata Shinde visited several schools across the city to personally welcome students. The schools had made elaborate preparations for the day, featuring traditional welcome rituals like applying tilak and giving roses, eye-catching decorations, and selfie points that made the first day memorable for children. Principals, teachers, and school management committees worked closely with civic teams to create a joyful atmosphere in the schools.
Time of India
6 days ago
- General
- Time of India
New PCMC initiative to rank housing societies that promote eco-friendly living in Pimpri Chinchwad
Pune: The Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation has rolled out a citywide programme to encourage housing societies to adopt sustainable and environmentally friendly practices. The stated aim of the 'Green Society Initiative' is to rate and reward societies based on their performance across multiple areas — waste segregation, in-house composting, solar energy adoption, rainwater harvesting and wastewater recycling. Under the programme, societies would receive a 'green star' rating for each criterion they meet. A senior PCMC official said the initiative would not only promote sustainability but also help the corporation compile comprehensive data on environmentally conscious housing societies. "This data would enable us to support these societies in various ways and strengthen decentralised sustainability efforts across the city," he said. Municipal commissioner Shekhar Singh said the initiative is aimed at empowering communities to become green ambassadors. "Every society has the potential to significantly reduce its environmental impact. Through 'green star' ratings, we aim to celebrate those who lead the way and inspire others to follow," he said. "Societies that fulfil all criteria would be honoured by the civic body." The civic body would implement the programme in phases, beginning with awareness sessions, followed by registrations, training, and on-ground assessments. Deputy commissioner Sachin Pawar, who is leading the initiative, said, "This programme provides a framework for societies to turn intent into action. It is expected to create a culture of environmental responsibility, driven not just by policy — but by the people themselves." The parameters include systematic separation of wet and dry waste at the source, managing organic waste within society premises, use of rooftop solar systems for common area electricity needs, capturing and storing rainwater to reduce water scarcity, and recycling grey water for gardening or other uses. However, environmental experts have stressed the importance of setting up a continuous monitoring mechanism, as many societies reportedly initiate green projects to qualify for benefits but later fail to maintain them. "Without regular audits or follow-ups, there's a risk that these practices might become symbolic rather than impactful," one expert said. Follow more information on Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad here . Get real-time live updates on rescue operations and check full list of passengers onboard AI 171 .
