Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar on Monday directed swift action to resolve pressing infrastructure issues in Ranjangaon Ganpati, Karegaon, Dhokasangvi, and Hivare Gram Panchayats in Pune district. The directive comes in response to growing challenges posed by rapid population growth and increasing developmental demands in these villages.
Ranjangaon Ganpati, historically a small village with a population of around 11,000, has witnessed a surge in residents due to its proximity to the MIDC industrial area. The current population, including migrants, exceeds two lakh, exerting immense pressure on water supply, drainage, road networks, and other essential infrastructure. The village also holds religious significance as one of the Ashtavinayak temples, attracting thousands of devotees daily.
Addressing these concerns, Ajit Pawar chaired a high-level meeting at the Deputy CM’s committee room in Mantralaya. Key officials in attendance included Water Supply and Sanitation Minister Gulabrao Patil, former minister and MLA Dilip Walse-Patil, Additional Chief Secretary of Finance O.P. Gupta, Principal Secretaries of Planning, Water Supply and Sanitation, Rural Development, Urban Development, Deputy CM’s Secretary, MIDC officials, and local administrative officers. Pune Divisional Commissioner Chandrakant Pulkundwar, Commissioner of Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority Yogesh Mhase-Patil, Pune District Collector Jitendra Dudi, and Pune Zilla Parishad CEO Gajanan Patil joined via video conferencing.
During the meeting, representatives from Ranjangaon Ganpati, Karegaon, Dhokasangvi, and Hivare presented detailed reports on the state of infrastructure, including water supply shortages, road conditions, drainage, and waste management challenges. Ajit Pawar emphasized the urgency of strengthening the village’s infrastructure, particularly considering the steady influx of devotees and the rising migrant population due to industrial development.
He instructed that MIDC coordinate closely with the District Council and other concerned authorities while undertaking development work, ensuring that projects adequately meet the needs of both local residents and visitors. The Deputy CM further called for immediate corrective measures and close monitoring of all ongoing and upcoming infrastructure projects to prevent delays.
Officials from the Gram Panchayats, MIDC, and senior administrative departments were tasked with submitting regular progress reports. Ajit Pawar reiterated that the development of these villages is critical for ensuring both civic welfare and sustainable growth in Pune district.
