PMC's GPS Mapping Project to Protect Civic Properties Falls Behind

Pune: The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) is facing significant challenges in completing its ambitious project to map its 3,000 properties using the Global Positioning System (GPS). The project, initiated in 2021-22, aims to protect these properties from encroachment and misuse. However, even after five years, the project remains incomplete, leaving many concerned about the potential misuse of these valuable assets.

The idea for the GPS mapping project was first proposed in 2021-22 when a municipal community hall was discovered to be used for weddings by a former corporator. Following this incident, a tender was awarded to a contractor to begin the mapping process. However, the project seems to have been delayed, and activists are now questioning its progress.

Vijay Kumbhar, a member of the Surajya Sangharsh Samiti, a citizens' group, expressed his frustration with the slow progress. 'The project has not yielded the expected results and appears to have been put on the back burner. The civic body is now conducting a similar exercise, which is concerning,' Kumbhar said.

Vasundhara Barve, the head of the PMC's estate department, acknowledged the importance of the project and stated that the groundwork to map the civic properties began around six months ago. 'The project is crucial for us, and the administration has expanded its scope,' Barve emphasized.

Activists and residents have highlighted that the misuse of PMC properties could have been better controlled if the information was readily available. Issues such as outdated contracts with occupants and unauthorized possession are leading to a significant loss of revenue. They urge the administration to be more vigilant about its assets to ensure better use of taxpayers' money.

Kumbhar further criticized the civic body for conducting only superficial inspections and audits of its properties. 'This exercise has been declared and carried out multiple times over the past decade, yet the PMC still lacks accurate records. Some civic officials are also reluctant to use these properties for the greater public good, as they provide illegal income,' Kumbhar added.

Anil Gharat, a social activist, echoed similar concerns. 'Former elected representatives have taken over civic buildings at key locations and are running their offices from them. The administration must take a comprehensive look at all municipal properties to address these issues,' Gharat said.

PMC officials have reiterated that there are strict rules and regulations for allocating municipal spaces. According to the norms, properties should be given on rent for up to 30 years only after issuing tenders, and the base price should be the ready reckoner rate. Since the 2021-22 incident, several cases have come to light where civic officials, in association with local elected members, allegedly misused these assets.

The PMC has committed to scrutinizing the shortcomings in the tender awarded to the contractor five years ago. The civic properties under the PMC's jurisdiction include civic buildings, open land parcels, schools, parks, administrative offices, public utility halls, and municipal hospitals. The successful completion of the GPS mapping project could significantly enhance the administration's ability to manage and protect these valuable assets effectively.