The Pimpri-Chinchwad forum publishes the citizens’ manifesto

The Pimpri Chinchwad Citizen Forum (PCCF) and Connecting NGO PCMC (a group of over 40 active NGOs) on Thursday released a citizen manifesto to be presented to candidates from Maval and Shirur Lok Sabha constituencies.

The document describes the steps to be taken for the betterment of the people of Pimpri-Chinchwad. The twin city is part of two Lok Sabha constituencies with Pimpri-Chinchwad under Maval and Bhosari, part of Shirur.

The manifesto covers focus areas such as civil rights and laws, citizen participatory governance, health and hygiene, education and skills, environment and energy, water management, smart policing and justice, information communication technology, traffic and mobility, urban planning and design, economic industry development, arts and culture, food and tourism and sports and fitness.

PCCF seeks to create a new Lok Sabha constituency “Pimpri-Chinchwad” by incorporating the existing three Vidhan Sabha constituencies and adjoining constituencies (Maval, Khed, Mulshi) or the area under Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) . The leaders should advocate for decentralization of the current jurisdiction of various government offices by setting up separate centers specifically for Pimpri-Chinchwad.

The forum has demanded a constitutional amendment that will give powers to civilian administration such as implementation of area sabha, right of citizens to demand dismissal and transfer of public servants, a provision to file criminal cases against public servants for dereliction of duty and deliberate delay of work .

Main requirements

Ensure that every citizen has access to affordable and quality healthcare facilities within a reasonable distance and improve primary healthcare infrastructure and services in rural and remote areas

Ensure the availability of clean drinking water, proper sanitation and waste management systems in every department

Advocate for the full and effective implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020

A complete ban on plastic bags and confiscated plastics should be handled according to environmental standards, with 100% of the collection, management, processing and disposal of waste falling to companies.

River development projects are banned, only river rejuvenation from source to sea

Stop encroachment, build retaining walls and restore disadvantaged neighborhoods, protect and rejuvenate riparian zones along rivers

GIS tagging of every nullah in watersheds for better planning and monitoring, and WWTPs should be equipped with backup solar power to ensure uninterrupted service.

33% green cover of native species. Make compost and native plants available at favorable rates at all nurseries.

Increase the number of air pollution monitoring units and air purifiers in the city.

Accelerate water withdrawal from Bhama-Askhed and Andhra dams.

In accordance with court orders, PCMC cannot grant permission for new properties unless they guarantee adequate water supply.