Allegations over large-scale spending in the Pune Municipal Corporation's (PMC) drainage department have sparked fresh political demands, with former elected representatives seeking a detailed inquiry into expenditure running into thousands of crores over the past four years.
Former opposition leader Ujjwal Keskar, along with Suhas Kulkarni and former corporator Prashant Badhe, has submitted a report to Mayor Manjusha Nagpure, requesting to form a special inquiry committee.
They have mentioned some provisions under the Mumbai Municipal Corporation Act (Section 31), which allow the civic body to constitute such committees for investigating specific issues.
According to the report, the drainage department had an annual budget of around Rs 750 crore, where the amount is nearing to Rs 3,000 crore which is spent over last four years during the administrative rule.
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Out of which, Rs 125 crore was supposed to be specifically for flood-prone areas, but questions have been raised over its actual utilisation.
Despite major spending, many concerns have been raised about the quality and effectiveness of drainage works, especially in the newly merged nine villages, where the infrastructure remains insufficient.
The report also points out the appointment of consultants and payments made for major projects, but claims that ground-level outcomes do not match with the expenditure.
The leaders have argued that in the absence of elected representatives during the administrative periodit was observed that there was lack of oversight, leading to concerns over transparency.
They have demanded that the proposed committee should include elected members and subject experts to ensure a thorough and impartial investigation.