Pune Municipal Commissioner Dr. Rajendra Bhosale has ordered an investigation into the bio-mining tender related to the Uruli Devachi and Phursungi garbage depots, following complaints of irregularities.
The inquiry will be led by the Additional Commissioner, and the Chief Auditor has been instructed to present a detailed report on the financial aspects of the tender.
The Pune Municipal Corporation’s (PMC) Solid Waste Management Department had earlier issued tenders for the bio-mining process at the city's garbage depots.
The issue gained attention after several reports were published highlighting concerns with the tender process and past bills issued under the contract.
Bharat Surana, President of the Congress Party's Traders Cell, initiated a hunger strike two days ago in front of the PMC building, demanding transparency in the bio-mining process, a review of the previous bills, and an investigation into the actual amount of garbage versus soil present at the sites.
In response, a meeting was held on Tuesday (October 8) night, where PMC Commissioner Dr. Rajendra Bhosale, Bharat Surana, and State Congress Vice President Mohan Joshi discussed the matter.
Following the meeting, Commissioner Bhosale ordered a formal inquiry into the bio-mining tender through the Additional Commissioner. He also directed the Chief Auditor to submit a report on the financial transactions related to the project.
Speaking on the outcome of the meeting, Bharat Surana stated, “The Commissioner has ordered an inquiry and asked for all relevant information to be provided immediately. He also directed the Chief Auditor to submit a report on the previous bills.
Given these developments, I have ended my hunger strike. However, if a thorough investigation is not conducted, we will resume the protest.”