Pimpri, 23rd January 2024: The recent decision by the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) to appoint a consultancy agency for monitoring Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) in private societies has sparked controversy and opposition.
Aam Admi Party’s Vijay Kumbhar, expressing concern on behalf of the citizens, alleges that the decision is not only unjust but also raises suspicions of favouritism towards certain individuals.
Kumbhar highlights several concerns with the terms and conditions outlined in the quotation, stating that it appears designed to potentially harass companies. Furthermore, he suggests that citizens may be subjected to higher costs for meeting STP conditions, instilling fear. The most critical concern centres around the proposal for the consultancy organization to have significant control over decision-making related to STPs in private societies, sidelining municipal officials.
The eligibility criteria for the consulting agency are also brought under scrutiny by Kumbhar. The stringent conditions, including a minimum of 3 years of experience and specific educational qualifications, raise suspicions of a predetermined process favouring a particular agency.
The outlined tasks for the consultancy, including regular visits and inspections of private STPs, uploading information to municipal websites, and thorough checks on STP capacity and technology, are seen as unnecessary. Critics argue that municipal authorities should be equipped to manage the permanent functioning of STPs without relying on external agencies.
Kumbhar and Surajya Sangharsh Samiti, demands the immediate cancellation of the quotation process. The opposition asserts that the municipal administration should take responsibility for overseeing STPs in private societies rather than outsourcing the task to a consultancy agency.
The controversy surrounding the appointment of the consultancy agency is likely to intensify as citizens and political groups voice their opposition, calling for transparency and accountability in the decision-making process.