Pune: As Pune battles widespread outbreaks of dengue and chikungunya, Shiv Sena Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray (UBT) party workers launched a fierce protest against the Pune Municipal Corporation, accusing the health department of providing false statistics and neglecting preventive measures.
The protest took place in the office of Municipal Commissioner Dr. Rajendra Bhosale, with demonstrators holding placards and shouting slogans.
The protest was led by city chief Sanjay More, along with Gajanan Tharkude, former corporator Prithviraj Sutar, and several others.
Due to delays in meeting with the Commissioner, the protestors staged a sit-in and chanted slogans criticizing the Municipal Administration for its inaction, claiming that while the administration remains in power, the citizens of Pune are left to suffer.
When Commissioner Bhosale eventually met with the protestors, he attempted to provide details of the administration's efforts to combat the outbreak. However, the protestors dismissed this information as inaccurate, arguing that the actual situation on the ground is much worse.
The protestors emphasized that the Municipal Administration is only conducting insecticide spraying after dengue cases are reported, rather than implementing preventive measures beforehand, which they claim has led to an increase in the number of cases.
Additionally, they pointed out that tenders for hiring workers to carry out spraying were delayed due to disputes among contractors, further exacerbating the situation.
The protestors also raised concerns about the growing nuisance of pigs in the city, particularly in Kothrud, where pig farming is reportedly being conducted in local drains.
Despite written complaints, the health department has not taken any action against those responsible. Commissioner Bhosale assured the protestors that the Municipal Corporation would take immediate steps to address the issue.
