Pune Municipal Commissioner Suspends Sinhgad Road Ward Officer Over Flood Response Failures
Reported by Sumit Singh & Tikam Shekhawat
Pune, 27th July 2024: Municipal Commissioner Dr. Rajendra Bhosale has ordered an inquiry and suspended Assistant Commissioner of the Sinhagad Road Ward Office, Sandeep Khalate, citing his failure to manage floodwater inundation in several areas of Anand Nagar on Sinhagad Road.
The suspension follows severe flooding on July 25, caused by the release of water from the Khadakwasla dam due to heavy rainfall in its catchment area. This deluge led to the river overflowing and flooding 70 to 80 societies in Ekta Nagar, Vitthal Nagar, and Nimbaj Nagar. Residents expected prompt assistance, cleanup, necessary health-related spraying, and garbage removal once the floodwaters receded. However, coordination of these efforts was lacking.
Municipal Commissioner Bhosale attributed the failure to Assistant Commissioner Khalate. Complaints from Vitthal Nagar residents about inadequate water supply and sanitation reached the Commissioner, prompting Khalate’s suspension and an order for an investigation into his conduct.
According to the suspension order, Commissioner Bhosale inspected the flood-affected areas on July 25 and found Khalate’s response lacking in diligence and responsibility. Khalate’s failure to maintain quality, propriety, and responsibility while performing his duties led to his suspension under Section 56 (2) (f) of the Maharashtra Municipal Corporation Act.
1. The Deputy Commissioner (Zone No. 3) is tasked with completing the investigation against Khalate, including the execution of the memorandum, and the completion of presenting officers and witnesses.
2. Khalate is prohibited from leaving the jurisdiction of the Municipal Corporation without prior permission from the Commissioner.
3. Khalate is entitled to receive subsistence allowance as per Municipal Service Regulations.
4. The suspension order should be recorded in Khalate’s service book.
In June, Commissioner Bhosale had ordered municipal workers to perform night duties following heavy rains. Given the recent flood situation, there is a demand to investigate whether these night duty workers fulfilled their responsibilities effectively.
