A new Municipal Commissioner has recently taken charge in Pune. Since elections to local self-government bodies—the foundation of Indian democracy—have not been conducted in the state, none of Maharashtra’s municipal corporations currently have elected corporators. Commissioners are functioning as administrators and hold supreme authority over the cities. In this scenario, these newly appointed Commissioners carry as much significance as a newly elected government. Therefore, it is only natural to place similar expectations on them. This article reflects those expectations. Although the article focuses on Pune’s new Commissioner, these expectations are, with slight variations, relevant to all 29 municipal corporations in Maharashtra.
We do not expect the commissioner to undertake grand or revolutionary new projects for the sake of doing something "different" or "historic." There is no shortage of policies, laws, acts, rules, regulations, orders, directives, and circulars (and forgive us if we missed a few more official terms). However, grand schemes that look flawless on paper often end up on ventilators due to an incompetent administration. Hence, it is vital to ensure strict implementation in letter and spirit. Here are a few key examples to illustrate this:
1. Several villages have been newly included in Pune, and many roads mentioned in development plans are yet to materialise. As new roads are built, it is essential to follow the guidelines of the Indian Roads Congress (IRC)—including gradient, base layers, asphalt temperature, and proper width and height of footpaths and markings. Non-compliance can attract a penalty of ₹1 lakh for contractors. These rules exist on paper; the expectation is that they must now be implemented.
2. When existing roads—cement or asphalt—are redone, care must be taken not to increase their elevation. Failure to observe this simple rule has led to historic buildings and homes gradually sinking below road level. Unscientifically elevated roads especially affect citizens during monsoons. A 2016 expert committee report, prepared by the PMC itself, outlines the proper method for repairing potholes. Unfortunately, not a single location in Pune follows these guidelines, leading to the same pothole-ridden roads every year. Citizens expect the new Commissioner to enforce the PMC’s own expert recommendations.
3. The PMC has a detailed Road Trenching Policy (2016–17), which mandates clear signage at all trenching sites indicating the type of work and duration. Non-compliance can result in a ₹500 per meter fine—even PMC departments are not exempt. Yet, years later, neither contractors nor departments install these boards, even after written citizen complaints. This reflects a callous and ineffective administration. Besides signage, many other rules in the trenching manual carry hefty fines. The new Commissioner must ensure strict enforcement of this policy.
4. To approve the funding for the Pune Metro, the central government mandated the city to have a parking policy. PMC approved one in 2019. Today, two Metro lines are fully operational and a third is underway. Yet, six years later, the approved policy remains unimplemented. Is a “Smart City” like Pune really incapable of enforcing its own parking policy? The new Commissioner must prioritise this.
5. Like any other growing Indian city, Pune faces serious issues with encroachments on roads and footpaths. To balance the needs of street vendors and the rights of citizens, the 2014 Street Vendors Act was enacted. In 2022, PMC formed a vendor committee, but it hasn’t met or delivered any concrete outcomes. Meanwhile, rampant encroachments choke main roads. Common citizens wonder how a scooter parked in a no-parking zone is swiftly fined, yet permanent illegal encroachments right next to it are left untouched for years. There are clear rules and policies about how street vending should be conducted—time, space, and removal after hours—but the PMC has turned a blind eye to enforcement.
6. India may or may not become a “Vishwaguru,” but when it comes to illegal political banners, we’ve certainly mastered the craft. From local self-proclaimed leaders to central ministers, politicians across all parties brazenly flout laws they swore to uphold. To curb this, the administration has strict rules—on paper. Following court pressure, the previous Commissioner issued a detailed circular with 19 points in December. But without enforcement, it’s meaningless. Will our thick-skinned leaders fear a paper tiger? Commissioner, we hope you dare to make that paper tiger roar.
These are just six examples, but similar issues exist across every department. Rules, laws, policies, and orders are already in place. Pune needs a Commissioner who can translate these into action. We need a display of intent and capability. We have no doubt about the capability of an IAS officer in this role. Therefore, Commissioner, please don’t aim to do something extraordinary during your tenure. Just implement what’s already on paper—and have the intent to do what’s necessary. That’s all we expect.
(Published in Daily Sakal on June 4, 2025)
References:
• https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/road-contractors-must-follow-irc-standards-or-pay-rs-1-lakh-fine/articleshow/78821955.cms
• Road Development and Road Maintenance Committee Report 2016
• Pune City Road Trenching Rules, Rule no.30.
• Pune City Road Trenching Rules, Annexure 12.
• https://punemirror.com/pune/civic/activists-demand-action-on-delayed-pune-parking-policy/cid1745744098.htm
