Pune Municipal Commissioner Dr. Rajendra Bhosale's refusal to release the flood inspection report has sparked outrage among Pune's citizen groups and NGOs.
The Sajag Nagrik Manch, led by Vivek Velankar, has condemned the Commissioner for his dismissive stance, urging him to remember that the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) is not his private entity.
Following severe flooding in various parts of Pune, including Sinhagad Road, in July, a four-member committee was appointed by Commissioner Dr. Rajendra Bhosale to investigate the reasons behind the flooding.
The committee submitted its findings to the Commissioner in early September, but no action has been taken since then. Reports indicate that the document remains unattended on the Commissioner's desk.
The Sajag Nagrik Manch and other NGOs have demanded that the flood report be made public on the PMC’s official website, arguing that it was prepared using taxpayer funds and concerns the safety and property of Pune’s citizens.
When questioned about the demand, Commissioner Bhosale stated, "What is the need to publish this report?" He clarified that it was not an inquiry committee report and saw no obligation to release it to the public. However, he mentioned that he would review the report and provide necessary information to the media if required.
Vivek Velankar, President of the Sajag Nagrik Manch, expressed strong disapproval, stating, "You are a public servant, not the owner of the PMC." Velankar emphasized that the report was prepared using public resources and money, and therefore, the citizens of Pune have the right to access it.
He criticized the Commissioner's dismissive approach, stating, "This report is directly related to the lives and property of Pune residents. It should be shared with the public along with details of the corporation's response to the findings."
Velankar urged the Commissioner to uphold democratic values and release the report promptly. He pointed out that understanding the causes of the flood is crucial for citizens, and withholding such information is unacceptable.
Citizen groups are calling for immediate publication of the report on the PMC’s website and for the Commissioner to disclose the measures being taken to prevent future flooding. Velankar reiterated, "The Commissioner is a servant of the people, not the owner of the corporation. Citizens deserve full transparency regarding the findings and the actions taken based on the report."