Change is inevitable as they say. 13 is almost behind us and has promised us that 14 will define a change. Each changeover promises same yet very few promises are delivered. Nevertheless journey continues. Now is time to fulfill promise. Lets all be happy, healthy and helpful to others in 14. Happy New Year from Cityblog to all those who care about Pune.
Cityblog Live
Monday, December 30, 2013
Wednesday, December 18, 2013
Half cooked year
13 started with slogans that this
year belongs to you (saal tera hain.) Year started with outrage over Nirbhaya.
Obama took over his second term. Indian economy sluggish and Govt at helm
paralyzed. What has happened over the year? Year of 11 was revolution. Year of
12 was year of failures. I would define this year as semi cooked. We had semi
finals of elections won handsomely by opposition and has given rise to another
uncooked player called AAP. Government
tried to be decisive but again failed on all fronts the situation being
under cooked. BJP has shown hope in declaring PM candidate who definitely will
mean business irrespective of empty rhetoric of unacceptability around him
making him appear semi cooked again. Year 14 will be landmark as we will see
finals and finally someone will complete the process.
On International front, Obama
took over his second reign which took severe beating during standoff on
healthcare reforms which were found under cooked, Snowden snooping accusations.
But then did some diplomacy with Putin and Iran over Syria and Iran nuclear.
Thankfully US economy has shown signs of recovery due to inherent basics. China
continues to be aggressor across East Asia and had unstable issues with India.
Though Chinese growth story is not impacted by global recession as it has
Indian story but some sheen veered off. Also basic issues of freedom and
separatism impacted it internally. Arab revolution countries continue to be
unstable like Egypt, lybia. Syrian crisis now has taken serious turn. European
economy has done very little to show signs of recovery though Northern
countries remain solid as usual. Pakistan the perpetual migraine had elections
and Nawaz Sharif returning but with imminent afgan pullout things stand fragile
and its warning for India as well. SAARC neighbours had their set of problems
where India has to be very careful especially in Bangladesh, Srilanka and
Maldives. The ASEAN movement participation was the only positive for India.
On domestic side, country remains
indecisive, paralysed and corrupt. On defences matter we remain weak as our
soldiers were killed and mutilated. On foreign policy we remain weak. We had
new scams and old scams returning. We have dual power centres: MMS vs Gandhi
family. We had corrupt UPA allies having their pound of flesh. We had good for
nothing ministers. In any other country, this kind of performance had no chance
of returning to power in 14. But in India, things work differently and our
voting patterns, politics we cannot say that for sure. BJP won in 4 states (I
include Delhi as its largest party). System has shown what good meaning
executives can do. People like them. I don’t say BJP is incorrupt but Nation
had done well from 99-04 under Vajpayee and UPA1 reaped benefits before
destroying economy since 09 under UPA2. AAP is new entrant and its largely
driven by individual egos. The success in Delhi can be attributed to situation
in Delhi which saw public anger during Anna agitation and Nirbhaya protest (13
saw more cases like Gudiya etc). But their agenda seems more flawed than
communists and even UPA in terms of free lunch promises. The idealism can sound
good but my advice to AAP is to be more mature and wait till 19)
Indian economy has gone worse and
if you add impact of faulty UPA promised of food security, RTE etc, 2014 sounds
worse. Only hope is elections and reforms which can be as a part of election
agenda. Also RBI under new leader remains firm against politics. Slowdown has
impacted various sectors. IT industry has taken up new challenges in cloud,
mobile, healthcare. Many new products
are emerging from India. Good reports out of silcon valley also help us
indirectly. Education though suffered thanks to political intervention.
Aviation industry has some new hope after kingfisher debacle in form of tata
ventures. World business has some new paradigms opened by internet 3.0
Analytics, Big data and social media 2.0. Core manufacturing, clean and non
conventional energy have taken centre stage
Environment continues to suffer
and we have seen more catastrophes in 13 than any other year. In India we had a
semi man made disaster in Uttarakhand where thousands of people lost lives.
Worldwide Hurricanes and earthquakes pounded people. It’s high time people do
something to mitigate and help future generations.
On sports side, to start with
cricket we had God retiring. Cricket will never be same. Nostalgia hit us when
we actually realized that how we have evolved along with Tendulkar as a
country. Of course in 12 we had seen lowest point of home defeat against
England. 13 saw revival which again is half cooked. We won at home vs Aussies.
New team India won champions trophy and few odi series. But the real test (or
final) will start in SA during Dec 13 and later in Eng, Aus, NZ in 14. But new
generation has sown some promise. Bowling continues to be a worry. On world
scene Aussies are reviving and England seem on decline. SAF continues to rule
but unless they have some ICC silverware they will not be treated as champions. Viswanathan Anand’s reign ended in Chennai.
Leander amazed everyone by winning US open doubles at the age of 42. Saina
struggled. Hockey team struggled. Politics and drug again hampered other
sports. Lance Armstrong was disgraced and corruption in soccer and tennis also
saw its ugly head. IPL in India was disgraced by spot fixing as well. Federer had an ordinary year when Joker ,
Murray and Nadal shared the spoils. All look forward to big year for Indian
cricket with away series, ICCT20 and biggest soccer carnival in Brazil .
On cinema, again new directors
and genres tried but stars and half cooked idiotic comedies in 100 crore school
ruled. Hollywood also continues to have vampires and werewolves to rule though
there is new trend of cinematic dramatization of classics. Marathi drama saw
top actors performing but we lost many stalwarts. Art and Music saw some new
entrants with promise.
On state front, even in later of
14 we will have finals. Its really time
to change this governance where there is corruption, law and order situation is
so grave that activists are murdered in broad daylight even i city like Pune.
What can you expect from such team of self serving leaders? Do we have option?
New parties again serve interest of their leaders with large egos. Opposition is
totally divided. Its high time people unite and provide stong option.
Thankfully 13 saw good monsoons as compared to the drought situation in 12.
Hope irrigation scams wont impact in 14.
City of Pune saw man made tragedies
like Shindewadi. BDP, new DP, BRT, Metro, water situation remain unchanged. City
lacks leadership and hope in 14 we have one. Expessway and National highways
around pune continue to be death traps. We wish real change in 14
Lets hope 14 brings all those
changes and cook the broth fully. Bit it comes with warning that if cooked more
it will be burnt. And thats a possibility as well.
Author Gautam Naik runs blog http://nayakgiri.blogspot.com
Tuesday, December 17, 2013
ऐतिहासिक मंडईतून पीएमपी ५@५ बस सेवा निर्णय ठरू शकतो पथदर्शी,ऐतिहासिक आणि क्रांतिकारक !
ऐतिहासिक
मंडईतून पीएमपी ५@५ बस सेवा
निर्णय ठरू शकतो
पथदर्शी,ऐतिहासिक आणि क्रांतिकारक
!
मंडई ते कोथरूड
डेपो बस सेवेबद्दल
अभिनंदन !
मध्य शहरातील बस सेवेचा
उपक्रम सुरक्षित व यशस्वी
करण्यासाठी पीएमपी ,पोलीस व
मनपा यांचे समन्वय
व सहकार्य आवश्यक
! पीएमपी ५@५
लागू करा !
अतिक्रमणमुक्त
केलेल्या २० हजार
चौ. फूट जागेचा
वापर करून १०
बस थांब्याची रचना
करा.
५ किमी. अंतराचे १०
बस मार्ग सुरु
करा !
५ मिनिटाच्या वारंवारीतेने बसेस
सोडा !
पूर्ण मार्गासाठी ५ रुपये
तिकीट आकारा
!
भारी वाहने आणि सर्व
खाजगी वाहनांना मंडई
परिसरात मज्जाव करा !
सीएसआर अंतर्गत उद्योग कंपन्यांकडून
८० मिनी
बसेस यासाठी मिळवता
येतील.
प्रत्येकी
८ प्रमाणे दहा
मार्गावर सोडा !
OR , ARE YOU WAITING MANDAI TO BE FULLY ENCROACHED AGAIN
!
jugal rathi
vivek velankar
PMP PRAVASI MANCH
Monday, November 25, 2013
Make PMP BRT Routes, Bus stops safer, Save lives. Initiate Citizen encouragement program
Hon Mayor,Hon CP,Hon Pmpm CMD,
Dear Madam/Sirs,
BRT is proving Death Trap.PMC may need to refund Rs 800
cr, Police has no man power, Citizens should observe traffic discpline etc
under these pretexts the safety of Punekars is thouroughly compromised. They
have become orphans.
Police,Pmc has been penalising Vehicles on
Footpaths/Cycle Tracks Rs 1000/ 1500/ 2500 /5000.
On same lines the violators in BRT Track & Bus Stops
be penalised.
The Commuters /Citizens' participation can prove to be
quite effective , if the scheme is announced and citizens appealed to send
photographs of vehicles violating to declared & dedicated email address at
Police & Pmc.
Heavy fines be recovered from violating vehicle owners
& Rs 100 be rewarded to citizens sending photos of violators out of fines
recovered.
Pmp has successfully implementing Citizen Reward scheme
since 2008 for Buses on Zebra, Buses without Destn Boards & Driver talking
on mobile while driving.
If Admin neither makes effective safety arrangements nor
involves citizens, keep Punekars under life threat for ever; creates suspicion
about objectives of such high budget but threat to public projects.
Citizens will certainly teach them lesson , may today or
tomorrow.
A note in Marathi is attached.
Awaiting positive response,
jugal s rathi
vivek velankar
PMP PRAVASI MANCH
Monday, November 18, 2013
Approve National Award Winner "Traff.I.Cop" for Pune, Pending for 4 years........!
Pune Police Traff.I.Cop Rs 53 lakhs approval Awaited for
4 years.
Dear Sirs,
One of the most acclaimed "National Award
Winner" Science & Technology based Traffic Control, Discipline &
Safety Project " Traff.I.Cop of Pune Police is suspended in Pune for want
of State Approval & Funds Rs
53 Lakhs for almost 4 years.
We had written to you earlier in August 2012. We once
again request you to approve the this Pune Police Proposal URGENTLY;
This project has wider importance as it has potential of
unearthing the extremist/terrorist activities, who invariably use vehicles with
fake RTO registration numbers.
As reported;
1.Trafficop gave police access to registration data of
about 20 lakh vehicles & 12 lakh driving licences from Pune,and data for
10lakh stolen vehicles across India under the National Crime Records Bureau.
2.The Initiative registered thousands of offences,suspended 2500 licences,identified
over 1000 regular offenders, and traced 200 stolen vehicles in one year.
3.Trafficop also maintained a history of offenders.For
the first violation,the penalty was a fine, but by the fourth violation, the
licence was confiscated, to be restored after a cumbersome procedure.
Hon Ajit Dada, we once again request you to approve the
proposal and let the Traff.i.Cop be operational within a fortnight.
Monday, November 11, 2013
BRT Boon or Bane?
Hon Mayor,
Compliments for taking up the isuue of BRT in all
seriousness.
BRT has proved to be a death-trap with app 1000 accidents
50-60 fatalities in BRT Corridors since 2006.

The BRT can prove to be BOON to solve draconian traffic
conditions in Pune.
Here are few suggestions, we feel important.
A note in Marathi is attached.
Awaiting prompt , positive response for betterment &
safety of helpless Puneites,
jugal rathi
vivek velankar
PMP PRAVASI MANCH
Friday, November 8, 2013
Time To Change
Another Diwali celebrated. And we
are all ready for more celebration in this season. Isn’t life all about celebrations? Though
some ‘I am superior than thou’s will find Diwali too generic and short term to
celebrate. They dislike crackers agreed
its more problem than we think: noise and air pollution, safety hazards etc.
But each Diwali we find that society is changing though some diehards aka foolhardy
don’t. But let’s hope they will change some day. Apart from crackers i don’t find
these souls have anything to complain. At least mere mortals like me don’t find
anything sad in meeting of friends and relatives , exchanging greetings (though
hackneyed and customary without real emotions as they complain), buying things,
helping needy, lights, decoration, food, killas, rangolis, deepotasavs ( in IIT kgp we had
splendid ilu festival still memories are fresh), cultural programs, outings,
vacations . In fact i have enjoyed Diwali since childhood and same this year as
well. And please don’t say that i celebrate 365 days so i don’t need these 4
days. You are self contradicting sirs. Enough of footage to these know it all,
but just can help pointing contradictions. But then few of them are good
friends so did not want to take them on publicly to an extent i wanted, thus
using my own blog to express. Those who want to debate on this, please do so
here. I am all game.
It was fun week and now back to
work after short time out. Elections are
just round corner in 5 states. As semi-final to 14, they will give enough indicators
to trend. I have been vocal against AAP and MNS to fragment opposition votes
acting in the hands of ruling party. Both these parties may have strong
justification in opposing all others. But now it’s time to make change and not
support continuum else suffer weak economy, lack of development, vote bank uneconomic
policies, terror, and corruption for next 5 years. At least give yourself an option.
I know many will argue that all the
politicians are same but we have strong example from 91-96 under PVN and 99 to
04 under Vajapayee when economy revived . A well meaning govt can make impact
for sure. Lets hope Delhiwalas show the incumbents and so called aam aadmi
muazzins their place. Rest states are heading in right direction if you want to
believe opinion polls. Congress wants to ban those polls. But will anyone take that
party seriously whose election policies rely upon one night before actions
leading to election victories as we all know in cities and villages. So there
is lot of room to dis believe the opinion polls but congress can do wonders 24
hrs prior to elections as they have since independence. But for all those who
care about India, Time to change.
Wednesday, November 6, 2013
DO NOT COMMENCE ALANDI RD,KHARADI BRT IN IMPROPER/INCOMPLETE STAGE & DESTROY BRT IN PUNE
Dear Sirs/Madams,
DO NOT COMMENCE ALANDI RD,KHARADI BRT IN
IMPROPER/INCOMPLETE STAGE & DESTROY BRT IN PUNE
Please correct all deficiencies/lapses in Alandi
Rd/Kharadi Rd BRT before commencing Bus Services.
The Pilot project has encountered several problems making
a death trap and BRT Failure.
In absence of above BRT will be destroyed in Pune.
Awaiting prompt & positive response,
Wish You Happy Diwali & Prosperous New Year !
jugal s rathi
vivek velankar
PMP PRAVASI MANCH
Thursday, October 24, 2013
SCRAP ST FARE HIKE PROPOSAL; UNJUST & UNFAIR 2nd BUS FARE HIKE IN 4 MONTHS !
Dear Sirs,
ST is common man's transport, particularly for crores of
rural citizens of Maharashtra. As it is unbearable sky rocketing inflation
making their lives miserable.
ST has recently hiked bus fare in June 2013.
Always only justifications given for fare hike as hike in
diesel rates, increasing spares costs,increasing salaries & allowances ;
Never ever the plan s,efforts,actions are mentioned to reduce costs, increase
revenues etc.
Has ST made any promises with earlier bus fare hike
proposals re better performance ?
What is their status ?
Tuesday, October 15, 2013
Guy Next Door
Citizen Gautam Naik shares his fiction.
My Phone rang on a chilly January
morning in office. And what happened next gave me the biggest of surprise in
life. I learnt lessons which I cannot forget rest of my life. The call was about Manish, my new neighbour
who lived next door.
I met Manish first time on the
same day he occupied house next door. It was a rainy night in June. I was
trying to get hold of TV Remote which was in the firm grip my wife. I hate
these soap operas. While my wife hates bombastic news anchors shouting at the
top of their voices and making life of other panellist miserable. She feels how
that can entertain anyone after a long
day in office? But then she doesn’t get my point. Who wants to cry over the
fate of a newly married lady in palatial house as shown in these soaps? Anyways
it’s an eternal dilemma across the families in India. Now both of us had a
competition from my eight years old daughter. She always wanted to see one of
those Japanese cartoons. But then time being you could scold her and ask her to
do her homework. Once she would be a teenager, and then god only knows what
would happen? Suddenly the bell rang. I
was wondering who it could be at that hour of the day. I opened the door.
I saw a tall guy with an athletic
build, dressed in three fourth jeans and T shirt. Did I know him?
He smiled and said “Hi, I am
Manish, Manish Brar. I have rented the flat next to yours.”
I said “Hello, nice to meet you”
and we shook hands.
Wednesday, October 9, 2013
Objectivism: Tribute to Ayn Rand
Citizen Gautam Naik pays tributes to Ayn Rand
In Asaami Asaami, PL has made one
statement through the protagonist DB Joshi that no one needs to do anything
special to keep this world going. (Ref; He wonders how his Benson Johnson
company runs without anyone doing any significant work). In fact this fictional
statement is exactly opposite to the entire life and philosophy of PL in person. This statement can be interpreted as totally
sarcastic. Sarcasm of PL is inherited from his role model P G Wodehouse who
while being totally elitist in his approach as he depicted castle and lords of
Victorian England. But then he was the most scathing critic of that class. In
same note PL has been branded to be Middle class icon. Though PL is not ultra
critical on this wrongfully maligned community but nevertheless has some master
strokes of self deprecating humour. Going back to topic of world surviving on
hard work of few, no one in literature has described it as strongly as Ayn Rand
and her objectivism philosophy. Her thoughts have had a great impact on me
personally. I do not totally agree with Ayn Rand on every aspect and I sense a
lot of immaturity in her writing (though I don’t claim to be arm chair philosopher
or great reviewer and it’s my personal observation as I stand nobody in
comparison to stature of Ayn Rand) and black and white portrayal of characters
which in real life which you cannot. As I complete 20 years of my first reading
of Fountainhead, especially since its Durga Pooja time, some very fond memories
rush back.
Friday, October 4, 2013
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Wednesday, October 2, 2013
A.Bus bays at PMPML bus stops vital necessity - urgent steps for permanent arrangement needed
To
Shri Mahesh Pathak,Municipal Commissioner,PMC
Shri R N Joshi, C&MD,PMPML
Cc :Shri Gulabrao Pol,CP Pune, Shri
Singhal,Jt CP.,ShriVishwas
Pandhare, DCP(Traffic)
Dear Sirs,
Subject :A.Bus bays at PMPML bus stops vital necessity
- urgent steps for permanent arrangement
needed
B.PMPML Must Enforce Strict Discipline. Take help of Alert Citizens.
A).City bus service is of vital importance for the city.
A major problem faced by PMPML bus drivers and bus commuters is that buses are
unable to approach the bus stop and are forced to halt on the carriageway of
road due to road side clutter and vehicle parking right up to the bus stop on
both sides. This creates severe problems for all –
1) Buses halting on road block vehicle lane holding up
traffic flow and adding to the existing congestion on road
Monday, September 16, 2013
Come September
All those young at heart in 60s
would definitely remember the ‘Come September ‘tune which was trademark of all
Brass Bands during marriages then. For those young in 90s like us would recall
its cheap imitation tune on which Madhuri danced to her glory: ‘Nazaraenin Mili
Dil Dhadka’ along with stupid and constipated looking Sanjay Kapoor. The
original hollywood film is a classic with some great scenes and music. We are
here in September 13.
Participatory budgeting deadline extended - New deadline: 21/09/2013
Hi there all,
We have 10 more days to send in our suggestions for the
Citizens Budget.. So do submit your suggestions and also get others to file
their suggestions too..
Do spread this news to all friends and family..
Monday, August 19, 2013
Swargate Flyover Project:No provision of Cycle Tracks ?
Dear Sir,
We have studied the project drawings provided by MSRDC as a part of their presentation.
We are concerned to note that there are no Cycle Tracks at all shown on the drawings.
Kindly note that Satara Rd & Shankarsheth Rd being part of BRT corridor; Cycle tracks are mandatory as per Central Govt/JNNURM norms.
Moreover considering the safety & need of cyclists using the corridor,Cycle tracks are a Must.
Also as a matter of policy specified in the NUTP & PMC's CMP ; promotion of cycling asd a mode of transport is very vital for solving traffic problem by containing explosive growth of private vehicles.
The design of the Swargate Flyover project appears to be not in keeping with above requirements for cyclists.
We have studied the project drawings provided by MSRDC as a part of their presentation.
We are concerned to note that there are no Cycle Tracks at all shown on the drawings.
Kindly note that Satara Rd & Shankarsheth Rd being part of BRT corridor; Cycle tracks are mandatory as per Central Govt/JNNURM norms.
Moreover considering the safety & need of cyclists using the corridor,Cycle tracks are a Must.
Also as a matter of policy specified in the NUTP & PMC's CMP ; promotion of cycling asd a mode of transport is very vital for solving traffic problem by containing explosive growth of private vehicles.
The design of the Swargate Flyover project appears to be not in keeping with above requirements for cyclists.
Monday, August 12, 2013
Protest against bill to keep POLITICAL Parties out of RTI Act:10 am MONDAY Aug12
Dear Sajag Member;
Please join PROTEST RALLY against Bill being introduced in Parliament on August 12,2013.
Monday 12th August 2013 @ 10am to 11am
Venue: Footpath Opp BALGANDHARV MANDIR
"NO RTI AMENDMENT TO TAKE POLITICAL PARTIES OUT OF RTI ACT.....! "
jugal s rathi vivek velankar vishwas sahastrabuddhe
S A J A G N A G R I K M A N C H, P U N E
Please join PROTEST RALLY against Bill being introduced in Parliament on August 12,2013.
Monday 12th August 2013 @ 10am to 11am
Venue: Footpath Opp BALGANDHARV MANDIR
"NO RTI AMENDMENT TO TAKE POLITICAL PARTIES OUT OF RTI ACT.....! "
jugal s rathi vivek velankar vishwas sahastrabuddhe
S A J A G N A G R I K M A N C H, P U N E
Thursday, August 8, 2013
Compliments, Pune Traffic Police Decision to Reinstall Barricades at University Bus Stop ! Why simple,effective measures are ignored,discontinued;UNDER PRESSURE Or INEFFICIENCY ?
Shri Gulabrao Pol,CP,Pune, Mahesh Pathak,MC-PMC, R N
Joshi,CMD-PMPML,S K Singhal Addl CP, Vishwas Pandhare,DCP Traffic,
Dear Sirs,
Compliments, Pune Traffic Police Decision to Reinstall Barricades at University Bus Stop ! Why simple,effective measures are ignored,discontinued;UNDER PRESSURE Or INEFFICIENCY ?
There have been several Fatal Bus Accidents recently at Bus Stands/Stops at Deccan,PMC,Khadki Bazar,Katraj,Upper Indira nagar,Fatimanagar etc.The bad planning , indiscipline/negligence of bus drivers, encroachment & parking by autos & private vehicles on bus stops etc have been the major cause of unsafe bus stops.
Dear Sirs,
Compliments, Pune Traffic Police Decision to Reinstall Barricades at University Bus Stop ! Why simple,effective measures are ignored,discontinued;UNDER PRESSURE Or INEFFICIENCY ?
There have been several Fatal Bus Accidents recently at Bus Stands/Stops at Deccan,PMC,Khadki Bazar,Katraj,Upper Indira nagar,Fatimanagar etc.The bad planning , indiscipline/negligence of bus drivers, encroachment & parking by autos & private vehicles on bus stops etc have been the major cause of unsafe bus stops.
Monday, August 5, 2013
Compliments PMPML BOD for commuter friendly first BOLD step ! Few More will transform PMPML !
The Chairman & members,
Board of Directors,
PMPML,Pune
Compliments PMPML BOD for commuter friendly first BOLD step ! Few More will transform PMPML !
Dear Madam & Sirs,
Lakhs of bus commuters from Pune, PCMC & nearby are grateful to you for the commuter friendly decision in BOD meeting.
Few more such decisions will transform PMPML & great service to 60 lakhs citizens of Pune & PCMC.
A note in Marathi is attached.
Board of Directors,
PMPML,Pune
Compliments PMPML BOD for commuter friendly first BOLD step ! Few More will transform PMPML !
Dear Madam & Sirs,
Lakhs of bus commuters from Pune, PCMC & nearby are grateful to you for the commuter friendly decision in BOD meeting.
Few more such decisions will transform PMPML & great service to 60 lakhs citizens of Pune & PCMC.
A note in Marathi is attached.
Wednesday, July 17, 2013
NSCC Pune meets on Saturday 20th July 2013 at 3:30 pm at Training Hall, Ghole Road Art Gallery
The
monthly meeting of National Society for Clean Cities, Pune will take
place on Saturday the 20th of July 2013 at 3:30 pm at Training
Hall, 2nd floor, Ghole Road Art Gallery, Ghole Road, Shivajinagar, Pune
411005..
Please note the change of venue due to the Wadke Hall being used for the Draft DP Hearings..
Agenda:
Please note the change of venue due to the Wadke Hall being used for the Draft DP Hearings..
Agenda:
# Making
our Footpaths safe:
1. Designing, Building & Maintaining Footpaths: Mr. Pramod Nirbhavane, Addl. City Engineer, PMC.
2. Making Footpaths Encroachment Free: Mr. Madhav Jagtap, Asst. Municipal Commissioner, PMC.
3. How Citizens can Help: Satish Khot
# Any other Business.*(With the permission of the chair).
1. Designing, Building & Maintaining Footpaths: Mr. Pramod Nirbhavane, Addl. City Engineer, PMC.
2. Making Footpaths Encroachment Free: Mr. Madhav Jagtap, Asst. Municipal Commissioner, PMC.
3. How Citizens can Help: Satish Khot
# Any other Business.*(With the permission of the chair).
Monday, July 15, 2013
Tree Plantation Campaign 2013
Hi
there all,
NSCC
and its mohalla committees have always been in the forefront of greening our
Pune. Every year in the month of May, we start our Tree Plantation campaign.
However, this year we have not been able to push start this campaign as we were
very busy with the Draft DP campaign. I am sure a few mohalla committees may
have already started tree plantation..
But
for all of us, it’s never too late and so lets get going an start planting
trees in our neighbourhood and also in other areas of Pune..
I
have talked to the PMC Garden Superintendent, Mr. Ashok Ghorpade and he has
assured NSCC and its mohalla committees of his department’s continued support..
Here
are a few guidelines for tree plantation:
- Insist on planting indigenous trees.
- Always plant tree which are at least 2.50 meters (i.e. about 8 feet) in height. These will have a better chance of survival.
- PMC Garden Department will supply you these free of cost, if you promise to maintain them.
- And most importantly do ask the Garden Department to advise you on the right type of tree to plant in your area.
The
perennial question; where to plant trees? One can plant trees in:
Thursday, July 11, 2013
Walk of Life: Experience of Wari
Legs are aching. Body is tired. Destination
is few kilometres away. It starts raining. Mind is in trance. Will power
carries you till destination. You sleep
in temples, trucks, homes or in the open.
That ends today. Tomorrow is another walk, another journey and another
destination. You have to manage
logistics of food for your group, or rely on kind donors. You have to manage
ablutions sans privacy. You have to face hardships for 20 odd days. This is
picture of Wari which you will think is negative. But hold on for a moment. Let
me complete my word picture of Wari. The physical discomfort is what makes Wari
a super devotional and highly emotional experience. It is the supreme devotion to ‘Vitthal: the
almighty’ that carries you through. The eternal and divine rhythm of ‘Gynba-
Tukaram’ drives out pain from your body, gives extreme bliss all through your
walk. Mind and soul search for self
enlightenment. At the end of the walk many people experience this bliss , get
new perspective of own life for whole year.
This experience is what will bring you again next year. That’s why it is
called Wari.
Monday, July 8, 2013
Pmp Bus Purchase 500 on Installments & 600 on hire: Whose interests will be served?
Dear Sirs,
1. Purchase of buses on installments is outright bad idea and will keep the Pmp crippled for its life.
Pmpml is not in a position to meet the operational expenses incl salaries,diesel/cng etc, it will never have funds to bear the interest and installment burden. Desperately it will attempt to pass on burden to Commuters with repeated bus fare
Hikes. Recent Last 3 fare hikes had reduced ridership by more than 2 lakhs. Further fare hikes to pay instalments and interest will prove to be death nail of Pmp.
Alternative options available:
The cost of 500 buses at Rs 25 lakhs each will be Rs 125 crores. This should be paid by Pmc Rs 75 cr & Pcmc Rs 50 crores. Which is app 2% of PMC & PCMC's annual budget; moreover Guardian Minister & Hon Dy CM Ajitdada Pawar had already directed both corporations to make 2% provision for Pmpml.
1. Purchase of buses on installments is outright bad idea and will keep the Pmp crippled for its life.
Pmpml is not in a position to meet the operational expenses incl salaries,diesel/cng etc, it will never have funds to bear the interest and installment burden. Desperately it will attempt to pass on burden to Commuters with repeated bus fare
Hikes. Recent Last 3 fare hikes had reduced ridership by more than 2 lakhs. Further fare hikes to pay instalments and interest will prove to be death nail of Pmp.
Alternative options available:
The cost of 500 buses at Rs 25 lakhs each will be Rs 125 crores. This should be paid by Pmc Rs 75 cr & Pcmc Rs 50 crores. Which is app 2% of PMC & PCMC's annual budget; moreover Guardian Minister & Hon Dy CM Ajitdada Pawar had already directed both corporations to make 2% provision for Pmpml.
Thursday, June 27, 2013
Himalayan Tragedy
Last weekend we had a reunion of
our school. 24 years have passed since
we all passed X th. But the fun, banter and bonding we had last week were the
same as it were 24 years back. Those
were the days. Summer of 89, the year we
passed out was very special. It was a long vacation without any worries. I
remember all the indoor and outdoor games played with friends, swimming, a
great Mumbai trip, Wimbledon won by Becker vs Edberg, Ashes (though many
compare 2013 ashes places same as 89 when Aussies were weak and Pommies
stronger), good academic result and admission to junior college of choice, few Sahyadri
night and monsoon treks and to top it all a Himalayan Trek . My romance with
Himalayas started then. I have already described in my last post here about my
latest visit in May 13, so the Himalayan memories are fresh. And then this
tragedy struck last Monday.
Tuesday, June 25, 2013
Emailing Letter of Objection & Suggestion to the proposed DP for old city limits
Hi there all,
Many of you may not have been able to send a hard copy of your letter of Objections and Suggestions due to one reason or the other.. The Municipal Commissioner has said that he will consider all the emails too.. However, you will not be able get a receipt, but then PMC has to consider your letter and even invite you for the hearing.. (You dont have to go for this hearing..)
I am enclosing a draft letter of Objection & Suggestion to PMC. All you have to do is to forward this letter to :
"City Engineer" <prashant.waghmare@punecorporation.org>, "Town Planning Officer PMC" <tpo@punecorporation.org>, (Pl cut and paste the email ids onto the "To" window of your letter..)
Do remember to put yr name and address etc. on your letter
And do send a copy of your letter to: "Green Pune Movement" <greenpunedp@gmail.com>, so that we will know how many emails have been sent.. Thanks..
Please forward this letter to your friends and family.. We want thousands of emails to go..
Many of you may not have been able to send a hard copy of your letter of Objections and Suggestions due to one reason or the other.. The Municipal Commissioner has said that he will consider all the emails too.. However, you will not be able get a receipt, but then PMC has to consider your letter and even invite you for the hearing.. (You dont have to go for this hearing..)
I am enclosing a draft letter of Objection & Suggestion to PMC. All you have to do is to forward this letter to :
"City Engineer" <prashant.waghmare@punecorporation.org>, "Town Planning Officer PMC" <tpo@punecorporation.org>, (Pl cut and paste the email ids onto the "To" window of your letter..)
Do remember to put yr name and address etc. on your letter
And do send a copy of your letter to: "Green Pune Movement" <greenpunedp@gmail.com>, so that we will know how many emails have been sent.. Thanks..
Please forward this letter to your friends and family.. We want thousands of emails to go..
Monday, June 24, 2013
Delivering Letters of Objections and Suggestions..
Hi there all,
I am confident that you all have collected large no of
Letters of Objection and Suggestions as well as even larger no. of signatures/
signature forms.. But delivering them all is quite a problem as every.one and
his sister will be there at PMC on the last 2 days ie on 25 and 26 June.. So
here's a suggestion on what to do..
Monday, June 17, 2013
Pune on way to becoming an Urban Disaster
Hi
there all,
Why
did you and I come to Pune and why do we continue to live in Pune? It is
because the Quality of Life, Pune offered us was far, far better that any other
city in India could offer us..
But all that
is fast coming to an end. The Draft Development Plan prepared by the Pune
Municipal Corporation is a builders’ dream plan and a nightmare for the
citizens..
Do
you know what the Draft Development Plan will do in the next 20 years? :
- Any vacant plot in the city can be grabbed by the PMC ie even if it’s inside your society. So the green areas in your housing society are no longer safe. There will be some construction there shortly..
- Green areas will disappear. New roads will appear through Green Zones to facilitate large deluxe housing complexes. Hill Tops and Hill Slopes, Green Zones to be made into SEZs, IT Parks and Amusement Parks. This will mean a loss of green cover impacting Climate Change..
Monday, June 10, 2013
First Day First Show
Wait is finally over and here is
the grand release. I am not referring to
any film here. I have stopped watching movies on the weekend of their
releases. I need to study reviews, get
feedbacks from the brave hearts to decide if I should invest my time, money and
efforts to watch any movie. Last few movies which i had to see without my
proper due diligence were disasters eg; Jab Tak Hain Jaan, Race2 etc. Here is
my salute to the indomitable souls, who have to compulsively hit the first
weekend at the cinema halls, especially for the big ticket movies. Indian film industry should honour these fans
if they had any method to track this tribe of people. With internet, network, i
am sure there lies a start-up idea. Is anyone listening in the valley?
Coming back to the point, I am
referring to many things here;
Firstly Monsoons were released in
my town. The pre curtain raisers and paid review shows were amazing. The light
and sound show was furious and disastrous to some extent where people
tragically lost their lives. Time for us the people to say enough to builders,
administrators who are responsible for the hill dredging, tree cutting, bad
roads, electricity failures, water logging. Monsoons kept their date with Pune
on 7th and have arrived officially as per IMD. These days no one
believes IMD forecasts but then one reads the analysis the day after. Hope this
year all drought pone areas get the rains, dams are full and economy is better.
Secondly BJP2.0 was released in
Indian political space. Gone are the days of old era of Atal, Advani which took
BJP from 2 seats in 84 to power in 1998 riding on Hindutva wave. As declared by
SC of India, Hindutva has nothing wrong and its aim to correct past wrongs done
by oppressors rightfully, constitutionally and non-violently. It is against no
community but towards equality which was victim of wrong interpretation of word
secularism though created intentionally earlier by British and later by
congress, socialists and leftist’s think tanks. Now BJP 2.0 has unleashed Modi
and his corruption free, development agenda which has many takers in National
scene. But what congress does is to polarize community by beating the riots
bandwagon as its counter modi strategy. And media is always bought on congress
line since independence. Thus we see large section of media which used to hate Advani
and his rath yatra politics, turn into Advani supporters. It’s always good for
Democratic Party to have difference and register it. Whether anyone in congress
which supports democracy has right to challenge High command? Lot of questions
but then trial by media is only for certain brand of thoughts. And those who
chose to oppose central Gandhi-Nehruvian ideology were vilified by media.
Starting with Bhagat singh, then with Savarkar, Bose and to an extent Patel,
everyone suffered same fate. But then hope BJP 2.0 settles down dissent
democratically for the sake of change which people of India deserve. And finally for those who again start good
old debate titled “ But what about justice for Gujarat riots?”, Baba Ramdeo has
an equally compelling arguement. If Modi is to be accused of 2002 riots, so has
to be Nehru for 1947 Partition riots , Rajeev Gandhi for 1984 Delhi riots,
Sudhakar Naik for Mumbai 1992 and finally Tarun Gogoi for 2012 Assam riots.
Though agreed one wrong thing should not set precedent for another but Indian
politicians are to be blamed across the spectrum for riots at various stages in
independent India. There is sinister agenda to single out Modi and 2002. As one
of my friend said, all riots are equal but Gujarat riots are more equal. One
interesting fact though wanted to share is that after Riots have declined since
1998 when BJP took power as compared to
earlier congress history.
Lastly new India team was
released at Champions trophy. Plagued by fixing controversy and vested interests,
Team India has only way for deliverance is by winning the Cup. Indian Cricket
organization was never transparent and fans deserved more always. But now that
media is more active and so are various counter interests, things are coming to
light and only thing now can be done better is to create transparent
organization, legalizing betting and set new criminal laws to help punish
culprits. But the fixing is old as game itself. Not just cricket but every
other major money spinning sport have witnessed same. But first day first show
was impressive especially fielding. I have never seen Indian fielders running
out two south africans in past. Batting was good with new approach by dhawan
and rohit. Only worry is seam bowling which always was a problem with exceptions
of zaheer, Kapil and shreenath. Let’s hope India goes all the way.
Did you like my first day first
show review....
Author runs a blog http://Nayakgiri.blogspot.com
Tuesday, June 4, 2013
PL Memories
कृपया पुर्ण लेख वाचावा हि विनंती खुप छान आहे. नक्किच आवडेल ..
पु. लं. च्या अखेरच्या प्रवासाबद्दलचा एक लेख दै. लोकसत्तेत श्री. कुमार जावडेकरांनी लिहिला होता. पु. लं. च्या शैलीची पदोपदी आठवण करून देणारा हा लेख --
>>>
'हॉस्पिटल' हा शब्द ऐकला की माझ्या काळजाचा (की हृदयाचा?) ठोका चुकतो. त्यामुळे डॉक्टरांनाही मी आजारी असल्याचं घोषित करणंसोपं जातं... साध्या डासाच्या रक्तानंदेखील मला गरगरतं. पूर्वी एस. टी. च्या मोटारीखाली आलेली म्हैस बघण्यासाठी पुढे सरसावलेला मी रक्ताचा ओघळ पाहून मागे परतलो होतो... हॉस्पिटलमधे जायचे प्रसंगही तसे माझ्यावर कमीच आले. नाही म्हणायला आमच्याकडे 'दुष्यंत' नावाचा कुत्रा जेव्हा होता, तेव्हा त्यानं केलेल्या स्वागतात सापडलेल्या पाहुण्यांना भेटायला मी हॉस्पिटलमधे गेलो होतो!
यावेळी मात्र मामला वेगळा होता. माझी प्रकृती थोडी नरम वाटल्यामुळे (किंवा कुठलीही गोष्ट मी नरमपणे घेत नसल्यामुळे) मंडळींनी मला हॉस्पिटलमधे नेण्याचा 'घाट' घातला. हॉस्पिटलमधे जायचा पूर्वानुभव फारसा नसल्यामुळे मी काय काय गोष्टी बरोबर नेता येतील, याचा विचार करू लागलो... पण मी नेसत्या वस्त्रांनिशीच जायचं आहे आणि कपड्यांची पिशवी मागाहून येईल असा खुलासा मला करण्यात आला. बाहेर पडताना मात्र मला उगाचच एच. मंगेशरावांनी बटाट्याच्या चाळीचं शिष्टमंडळ पाठवताना लावलेली 'ओ दूर जानेवाले' ची रेकॉर्ड आठवली.
पु. लं. च्या अखेरच्या प्रवासाबद्दलचा एक लेख दै. लोकसत्तेत श्री. कुमार जावडेकरांनी लिहिला होता. पु. लं. च्या शैलीची पदोपदी आठवण करून देणारा हा लेख --
>>>
'हॉस्पिटल' हा शब्द ऐकला की माझ्या काळजाचा (की हृदयाचा?) ठोका चुकतो. त्यामुळे डॉक्टरांनाही मी आजारी असल्याचं घोषित करणंसोपं जातं... साध्या डासाच्या रक्तानंदेखील मला गरगरतं. पूर्वी एस. टी. च्या मोटारीखाली आलेली म्हैस बघण्यासाठी पुढे सरसावलेला मी रक्ताचा ओघळ पाहून मागे परतलो होतो... हॉस्पिटलमधे जायचे प्रसंगही तसे माझ्यावर कमीच आले. नाही म्हणायला आमच्याकडे 'दुष्यंत' नावाचा कुत्रा जेव्हा होता, तेव्हा त्यानं केलेल्या स्वागतात सापडलेल्या पाहुण्यांना भेटायला मी हॉस्पिटलमधे गेलो होतो!
यावेळी मात्र मामला वेगळा होता. माझी प्रकृती थोडी नरम वाटल्यामुळे (किंवा कुठलीही गोष्ट मी नरमपणे घेत नसल्यामुळे) मंडळींनी मला हॉस्पिटलमधे नेण्याचा 'घाट' घातला. हॉस्पिटलमधे जायचा पूर्वानुभव फारसा नसल्यामुळे मी काय काय गोष्टी बरोबर नेता येतील, याचा विचार करू लागलो... पण मी नेसत्या वस्त्रांनिशीच जायचं आहे आणि कपड्यांची पिशवी मागाहून येईल असा खुलासा मला करण्यात आला. बाहेर पडताना मात्र मला उगाचच एच. मंगेशरावांनी बटाट्याच्या चाळीचं शिष्टमंडळ पाठवताना लावलेली 'ओ दूर जानेवाले' ची रेकॉर्ड आठवली.
Tuesday, May 28, 2013
Summer Time
As I see the calendar, we are in
the last week of May, suffering from intense heat and looking forward to the respite
in form of rains. Kids will enter very last leg of their much celebrated summer
vacations. Summer camps are coming to an end. All the releases meant for kids
have been watched: be it Doraemon or Chota Bheem or Chintoo. Mumbai Indians
have won IPL. Summer kid’s theatre, fairs, exhibitions, circuses have been
visited. In our times lecture series like Vasant Vyakhyanmala or talk sessions
like Majestic Gappa were also the valid forms of entertainment for even the youngsters.
For today’s kids anything to do with gadgets is the ‘in thing’. Now the kids are
looking forward to new books (don’t they smell great???), uniforms and new
teachers. They also have started missing their school friends.
Some may have had their annual
vacations done and over with. Some unlucky souls may not have had a chance to
take any holiday thanks to their duties or for some other reasons. For me, it was
Himalayas again as a summer vacation spot.
Thursday, May 9, 2013
Dream Family
Summer vacations test on your
patience with Kids. Kids these days are
bored after doing an activity for less than 15-20 minutes on an average. Gone
are the days when you gave them a PC and they ended up spending whole day
playing games. Now they have played all the games and are bored of silly online
games. Forget about reading books as its not fashionable and playing outdoors
for lack of open spaces and heat. So on one such summer nights, I had to resort
to storytelling for my daughter and her small friend. All the popular stories,
either of the royal family descendants like Bhakt Prahlad or Dhruv, or of common
men like that honest woodcutter who lost his axe in the well, have a similar
thread. After doing hard worship and meditation, god appears and grants the
protagonist his wishes. After narrating such stories to the kids, I had a great
idea. I have planned to go to Himalaya and am planning to do heavy worship and
meditation there. I will face all hardships and ensure that god turns up and
grants me my wishes. And I am ready with my wish list along with priorities.
These days you have to be prepared. What if god turns up and then I waste my
time thinking what to ask for. Also you never know if god will grant one wish
or three. So I have prepared ten just in case. I also am prepared with
reasoning just in case like your client or boss he asks me to explain why I had
asked that type of wish or asks for further detailed reasoning.
The main philosophy of my wish
list is the universal fact that you can choose your friends but cannot choose
your family. God decides the family in which you are born. Thus I will ask god
one basic wish to chose my family and family members.
Thus my first wish is to have a mother
in Law like a
Thursday, May 2, 2013
Citizen blog
Citizen blogger Gautam Naik shares his trilogy on Maharaj
Do read...
http://nayakgiri.blogspot.in/2013/03/my-own-maharaj.html
http://nayakgiri.blogspot.in/2013/04/maharaj-punha-jamna-ghyawe-need-maharaj.html
http://nayakgiri.blogspot.in/2013/05/its-too-dark-to-see-show-us-light.html
Wednesday, May 1, 2013
Take simple effective measures for Pedestrians Safety
Shri Mahesh
Pathak,IAS
MC-PMC,Pune
Take simple effective measures for Pedestrians Safety:A real tribute to Activist Gita Vir on First Death Anniversary !
Dear Sir,
As all her colleagues and civic activists in Pune pay homage to Late Gita Vir on her first death anniversary we request you minimum to Take simple effective measures for Pedestrians Safety;since she died hitting the footpath blocks left negligently by contractors.
1.Let there be no obstruction/encroachment caused by PMC or any of its agencies/contractors on footpath.
i) Road construction/repair material left on footpath for weeks/months.
ii) Water/drainage pipes on footpath (Prabhat Road, vanaz company etc)
iii)Post laying/repair of utilities the debries,crete,khadi dumped-left on footpath( senapati bapat rd etc)
iv) Decorative street light poles erected by PMC on footpath ( Ghole rd/Sahakarnagar-Bibvewadi ward office entrance etc)
v) Garbage Containers placed on footpath (Near Om Super Mkt,sahakarnagar etc)
vi)Arogya Kothi/ Labour huts on footpath
MC-PMC,Pune
Take simple effective measures for Pedestrians Safety:A real tribute to Activist Gita Vir on First Death Anniversary !
Dear Sir,
As all her colleagues and civic activists in Pune pay homage to Late Gita Vir on her first death anniversary we request you minimum to Take simple effective measures for Pedestrians Safety;since she died hitting the footpath blocks left negligently by contractors.
1.Let there be no obstruction/encroachment caused by PMC or any of its agencies/contractors on footpath.
i) Road construction/repair material left on footpath for weeks/months.
ii) Water/drainage pipes on footpath (Prabhat Road, vanaz company etc)
iii)Post laying/repair of utilities the debries,crete,khadi dumped-left on footpath( senapati bapat rd etc)
iv) Decorative street light poles erected by PMC on footpath ( Ghole rd/Sahakarnagar-Bibvewadi ward office entrance etc)
v) Garbage Containers placed on footpath (Near Om Super Mkt,sahakarnagar etc)
vi)Arogya Kothi/ Labour huts on footpath
Wednesday, April 24, 2013
Less than 70 Hours to save Pune from becoming a Concrete Jungle
LESS THAN 70 HOURS TO SAVE PUNE!
(& EVEN LESS IF YOU CANNOT HAND DELIVER IT YOURSELF)
SEND YOUR OBJECTION LETTER TO THE DRAFT DP TODAY!!
The new Draft Development Plan – Recipe
for disaster – Will turn Pune into a Concrete Jungle!!(& EVEN LESS IF YOU CANNOT HAND DELIVER IT YOURSELF)
SEND YOUR OBJECTION LETTER TO THE DRAFT DP TODAY!!
Hi
there all,
The
Pune Municipal Corporation has prepared a new Draft Development Plan which is a
builders’ dream plan and a nightmare for the citizens..
The
"Star" Attractions of the new Draft Development Plan:
- Any vacant plot in the city can be grabbed by the PMC ie even if it’s in your society.
- 4 FSI zone along the entire Metro corridor for half a kilometer on both sides – even if the Metro is never built! So Pune will have huge buildings on both sides of the proposed Metro.
- 3 FSI for Cluster development in the city – entire blocks bulldozed for erecting new buildings.
- 4 FSI for 4-star and 5-star hotels and private hospitals. More Buildings.
- Open/Recreational Spaces reduced. Where will your children go to play?
- River and Lakes to be paved over for more roads and housing complexes.
- Hill Tops and Hill Slopes, Green Zones to be made into SEZs, IT Parks and Amusement Parks. This will mean a loss of green cover impacting Climate Change.
- No provision for Low Income Housing – so slums will come up everywhere at random.
- The new Draft Development Plan is full of arbitrary and ad hoc proposals without any supporting studies or surveys.
Thursday, April 4, 2013
Stay Interim Hike in Daily Bus pass by 40%; 5 Directors opposing, Motives of Admin suspicious ! Commuters should Protest Strongly !
Dear Madam,Sirs,
Stay Interim Hike in Daily Bus pass by 40%; 5 Directors
opposing, Motives of Admin suspicious ! Commuters should Protest Strongly !
Its strange that a single sensible win-win decision of
Daily Bus Pass at Rs 50/- has been changed by hike by 40 % to Rs 70/-
This was also not
properly publicised/ informed to
commuters.
Inspite of promises was not available with conductors.
Inspite the daily pass sale must have increased.
Monday, April 1, 2013
Make Cycle Tracks Visible & Usable : Think , Plan and Implement Cycle Inclusive Development !
Adv Abhay Chhajedji,City Congress President,Pune
Dear Sir,
Thanks for the invite to give inputs for promoting use of
bicycles in Pune,as reported in media.
We earnestly request:
1.Make the Cycle tracks distinctly visible to
cyclists,vehicle users,adjacent property users/occupants and safely &
conveniently usable.
2.At Most of the major junctions, Cycle tracks are
chopped off to make way for vehicles,e.g., Swargate chowk & many places on
Cycle Tracks on BRT Pilot route - Hadapsar-Swargate-Katraj and many more
locations.
3.Connectivity be ensured and maintained.
4.All one way roads eg.,J M Rd , F C Rd etc. must provide
distinct Cycle Lane on one side .
Tuesday, March 26, 2013
End Season (discounted) analysis
At the start of season we knew assignments would be easy as
we had home conditions compared to 11 and 11-12 where we had 8 tests in eng and
Aus. We suffered 0-8 loss. Thanks to almighty when we had transition phase
then. We had young players who were raw
and untested and fitness levels where anti athletics like me could have beaten established
players.
Indian international cricket calendar has come to an end for
12-13 season. It started with India vs NZ in India followed by ICCt20 in
srilanka, India vs England 4 tests in India followed by T20s and ODIs, antinational pakis
playing ODIs and t20s which i boycotted as to protest (as if it mattered) and
finally Ind vs. Aus 4 test series.
So what are the signs based on this season
Tuesday, March 19, 2013
Another Day in Office
It’s a stormy rainy
night as I return from Office. I give lift to a stranger. We had a small talk
and came to know that we knew each other in past.
After a small
pause, he put on his spects. Turned towards me and said in a very deep voice
“Let me tell you
why I am here. I am here for message, Today is your last day in office, I mean
last day in life as well. “
Am I going to die
today? Who is this man?
Read the full story at: http://nayakgiri.blogspot.in/2013/03/another-day-in-office.html
Citizen Gautam Naik shares a fictional story….
Monday, March 18, 2013
Safety audit at PMPML stands
Dear Madam / Sirs,
Frequent Fatal Accidents at Bus Stands, Bus Stops:
Conduct Safety Audit by Experts, Implement Recommendations !
There have been frequent fatal accidents at Pmpml/ST bus
stands/Terminus, bus stops. Few recent ones;
1. A 25 yrs young lady was crushed under Pmp bus at
Deccan Bus Stand.
Thursday, February 28, 2013
Appeal from Aam Aadmi Party
Cityblog is forum for all including political parties. We dont subscribe or endorse any political party nor we support any. All parties are welcome to send their appeals, press notes etc to cityblog. We stand for freedom of speech and individual right to have opinion. By publoshing any political appeal does not mean we agree upon views of that party. Arvind Kejariwal writes....
My
fellow Indian,
Under
Anna’s leadership, India came on streets against corruption. The people
demanded a strong anti-corruption law. The government did not agree. None of
the parties agreed. Obviously, they couldn’t have agreed because if they
passed a strong Jan Lokpal Bill, most of the politicians would be in jail and
their properties would be confiscated.
|
Monday, February 18, 2013
Inviting Suggestions from Stakeholders for the CDP (2013 – 2040)
Hi
there all,
A City Development Plan has been prepared without proper consultations with us Punekars, with no vision, with no linkages to the Development Plan (which is as per the MRTP Act) prepared by PMC and vetted by our elected representatives, with no time line by which each project will be completed, with no checking how the money has been spent of the first JnNURM and with no checking if the projects have achieved their objectives, and I could go on and on.. They have even given us only till 20th February to give our Suggestions and Objections.. At our meeting today, it was decided we all write a letter to Pune's Municipal Commissioner and make our objections clear.. A copy of my letter is below..
So please Forward a copy of this letter with deleting the parts Highlighted in Green and in Red.. This letter should be sent to the email ids which are highlighted in Red and of course putting your name and address instead of mine..
You can also download this letter, print it and sign it as well as collect more sgnatures and send to
Officer on Special Duty, JnNURM
2nd Floor, Main Building, Pune Municipal Corporation
Shivajinagar Pune 411005
But do remember to see that it reaches PMC by 20th Feb at the latest..
Thanks and all the best..
Satish Khot
A City Development Plan has been prepared without proper consultations with us Punekars, with no vision, with no linkages to the Development Plan (which is as per the MRTP Act) prepared by PMC and vetted by our elected representatives, with no time line by which each project will be completed, with no checking how the money has been spent of the first JnNURM and with no checking if the projects have achieved their objectives, and I could go on and on.. They have even given us only till 20th February to give our Suggestions and Objections.. At our meeting today, it was decided we all write a letter to Pune's Municipal Commissioner and make our objections clear.. A copy of my letter is below..
So please Forward a copy of this letter with deleting the parts Highlighted in Green and in Red.. This letter should be sent to the email ids which are highlighted in Red and of course putting your name and address instead of mine..
You can also download this letter, print it and sign it as well as collect more sgnatures and send to
Officer on Special Duty, JnNURM
2nd Floor, Main Building, Pune Municipal Corporation
Shivajinagar Pune 411005
But do remember to see that it reaches PMC by 20th Feb at the latest..
Thanks and all the best..
Satish Khot
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
Revival
Revival is order of day; be it
economy, be it politics, be it cricket, be it society. As we enter second half
of the second month of year 2013, which had a bad start in addition to legacy
of 2012 which was year of failures.
Somehow many will agree that speed of time flow is incredibly fast in
2013 though it may sound as cliché or for that matter anomalous as wheel of
time moves it same speed since the big bang.
But having seen almost 45 days of New Year, seems like 2013 has
different properties.
Wednesday, February 6, 2013
2% of PMC/PCMC Budget for PMPML" Compliments for Decision: Now scrap VAT on purchase of diesel !
To,
Hon Shri Ajitdada Pawar,
Dy CM, Maharashtra State
Dear Sir,
Wexe were consistently following OMC/PCMC to make budget provision for PMPML of Rs 150 cr & Rs 100 cr respectively.
Thanks for responding positively.
The funds should be made available to PMPML for strengthening Bus Services. This should not be in the form of Loan of any sort.
The diesel hike Rs 12 has given severe blow to PMPML. We request State Govt should also come forward in support of only public transport for 55lakhs citizens of Pune & Pimpri Chinchwad.
We strongly demand that The State Govt should waive VAT on purchase of diesel by PMPML.
jugal s rathi vivek velankar
Hon Shri Ajitdada Pawar,
Dy CM, Maharashtra State
Dear Sir,
Wexe were consistently following OMC/PCMC to make budget provision for PMPML of Rs 150 cr & Rs 100 cr respectively.
Thanks for responding positively.
The funds should be made available to PMPML for strengthening Bus Services. This should not be in the form of Loan of any sort.
The diesel hike Rs 12 has given severe blow to PMPML. We request State Govt should also come forward in support of only public transport for 55lakhs citizens of Pune & Pimpri Chinchwad.
We strongly demand that The State Govt should waive VAT on purchase of diesel by PMPML.
Awaiting positive response,
jugal s rathi vivek velankar
PMP PRAVASI MANCH
Monday, February 4, 2013
Save Our Hills
CONGRATULATIONS, PUNE
We Punekars have managed to Save Our Hills. A long drawn out battle to preserve the Bio Diversity Park has been won..
This is a result of the proactive stance we Punekars took and the efforts we made to make our voice heard. We all convinced the powers that be that the green cover that our hills provide is crucial for the survival of our Pune as we know it now..
The green hills will ensure that Pune's environment will not degrade and degenerate as other cities' have done..
But let us not rest on winning just this one battle.. There are many more miles to go:
We Punekars have managed to Save Our Hills. A long drawn out battle to preserve the Bio Diversity Park has been won..
This is a result of the proactive stance we Punekars took and the efforts we made to make our voice heard. We all convinced the powers that be that the green cover that our hills provide is crucial for the survival of our Pune as we know it now..
The green hills will ensure that Pune's environment will not degrade and degenerate as other cities' have done..
But let us not rest on winning just this one battle.. There are many more miles to go:
- Save our River .
- Effective Public Transportation.
- Equitable and Potable Water Supply.
- Safe Roads for Pedestrians, Cycles and Vehicles.
- A Clean City in all ways.
- A Transparent & Accountable Governance.
- And many more..
So let us vow to work together to Improve the Quality of Our Lives..
And our credo is
I AM PROUD TO BE A PUNEKAR.....
AND I WILL MAKE MY PUNE A CITY TO BE PROUD OF!
Aneeta Benninger Satish Khot
Thursday, January 31, 2013
No efforts/action by PMPML management to deal with Diesel hike !
Dear Sirs,
Its surprising and sad to note inaction and indifferent
response of PMPML to recent Diesel Hike.
Its more obvious when compared with systematic
appropriate efforts/representations by ST.
The news in a leading Daily only mentions additional
burden PMPML has to bear.
And same ritualised 'hike in cost of spares,tyres etc.
This is being mentioned and considered as main head of expenses for fare hike
in 2008,2010,2012. PMPML has never disclosed any information how the additional
funds with fare hike have been utilised on the estimated expenses in fare hike
proposal.There is no transparency & Accountability.
Friday, January 25, 2013
Anniversary of Sad day in Pune, new lessons
It was 25th Jan 2012, what would have made one Mr Santosh Mane , Occupation: Bus Driver with MSRTC, so agitated that he decided to drive a bus along morning streets of Pune and kill innocent lives, injure many , damaging many vehicles. The incidence shocked Pune and everyone felt for near ones of victims. Year has gone by and have we learnt lessons to avoid such incidences. Some things were done but situation is still not as it should be around bus terminuses.
Lets not forget also following events which we need to learn lesson from in the near past
Lets not forget also following events which we need to learn lesson from in the near past
- GB and JM Road blast which should result in more vigil against terror . Govt seems busy only making politics while coloring the terror.
- Last year we had water situation. Nothing has done to plan for avoiding such incidences
- Road accidents in Pune continue everywhere. 2012 we had more accidents than 2011 which has lowest as curve which was going down has again risen. MGNL is digging up roads everywhere , is PMC monitoring situation. Now that Metro construction will start we need better traffic and road management.
- Expressway continues to kill. One can witness 2 wheelers driving in wrong direction, pedestrains crossing the expressway at ease.
- With power crisis looming due to water scarcity in state have we prepared plan B or are we heading towards days in 04-05 of loadshedding.
- Gang wars in pune have killed many in recent past. Does police instill fear amongst goons?
- Passport woes continue for Pune even after shifting
- Aadhar card scheme has not been streamlined.
- Property tax increase of 6% is suggested, will that help towards a better city or will corruption offset this raise?
- Do we have enough gardens, playgrounds, hospitals, community halls and similar amenieties as needed by society or are we just approving housing and commercial real estate hubs.
- Do we have effecient public transport? or we will end up adding more private 2 and 4 wheelers. Do we have control over errant rickshaw drivers who refuse to ply as per their will.
- Have we controlled crime against women? Is Pune anymore safe for women. Nayana Pujari accused still is at large? Darshana Tongre case still unresolved?
- Have we controlled crime against old people? Alurkar murder is still mystery
- Chain snatching, mugging incidences are on rise.
- Garbage and waste management still remain big problem.
- Rivers are polluted and we do not have any answer.
- Trees are being cut on hills sorrounding and there is no protection.
Monday, January 21, 2013
Not Required Indians
Light upon some prejudices against patriotic social media champions in India and outside and answer and definition of those who ridicule patriotic sentiments on social media
Mr Ramchandra Guha, a social historian has historical branded certain people as Internet Hindus. The derogatory sense of the definition is what irks me. It’s common for three types of people to deride such Internet Hindus. First let’s start with the definition of ‘Internet Hindus’ who are sympathisers of RSS/BJP clan, who cry pseudo secularism to be only problem for this once great country which they (those who ridicule internet hindus) believe did not exist (Indian culture dates back only till Mughal times as per these three types), and final definition of Internet Hindu is one who posts militantly on social media/web fourms against these three types. First of these three types who deride Internet Hindus are the doyens of secular media with JNU mould, second the ruling elites who get into power by milking cash votes or vote for cash in connivance with unscrupulous business class or for newly created class of Non resident Indian who leave no stone unturned to bash India for anything that happens here and compare that with their country of residence (of course there are well meaning and patriotic Non resident Indians always supporting Indian cause). Now if I were Ramchandra Guha of my school of thoughts, I would define these people as Not Required Indians. Though I respect Guha not as a social expert he is claimed to be but for his cricket writing. I would also like to add fourth group which subscribe to groups named as ‘I am ashamed to be Indian’ and who criticize country, people and culture being culprit for all evils of India.
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
An answer to allegations by the biased Media
In response
to article in sakal dated 13th Jan 2013, Dr Shreerang Arvind Godbole
has written this article to clarify on what was actually said by RSS chief and
how media distorts its version based on agenda. Cityblog publishes the same as
a forum for all to express their view. We invite more such dialogue on active
issues in city and country. While Cityblog condemns the misogynist mindsets but
also feels media should be unbiased. We also understand sensitive nature of
Delhi case and feel all culprits be punished in fast and appropriate manner.
Also we need to modify legal system and mainly our thought processes which
treats woman as commodity. Here is what
Dr Shreerang Arvind Godbole writes :
Hemant Desai
does not apparently feel the need to verify his sources else he would not made
wild allegations against Sarsanghchalak Mohanji Bhagwat in his ‘Sakal’ article
(13 Jan 2013). He has neatly placed the
Sarsanghchalak in the company of Akbaruddin Owaisi, Gopal Kanda and Anis
ur-Rehman. Considering the length and
breadth of his piece and the venom therein, it is clear that the Sarsanghchalak
is his special target.
Monday, January 14, 2013
Appeal from National Society for Clean Cities
We wish you
all a Very Happy New Year and a Very Clean & Green Pune!!
Hi
there all,
A
year back all Mohalla Committees had organised meetings with candidates
standing for elections as PMC Corporators. You had interviewed them, listened
to their plans and most importantly, presented them with a Charter of Demands
for your Ward, which all the candidates signed. We Punekars are doing what
other cities are still thinking of doing..
On
March 12, 2013 it will be exactly One year since your Corporators got
elected. Now is the time to assess both, her and him, on what they have done in
their First year in office and particularly on action taken on the
issues raised by you in the signed Charter of Demands..
Thursday, January 10, 2013
13 jo Tera Hain
New Year is week old. Winters have set in. Normally this is
a very cheerful time of the year. New resolutions are fresh and yet to be
broken. Health is high on agenda. But as
they say 13 number is unlucky so has been its start.
The 16th December Delhi gang rape issue is
burning. Case has started and lone
witness has raised some serious issues for government, police and aam janata.
Some insensitive and some misconstrued remarks have added fuel to this
sensitive issue. Pak has killed two Indian soldiers and shown true
colours. Train fares have been hiked and
a large hike in diesel and LPG is due after a minor rise. Market outlook and
job stats are poor. Marathi literary fest is filled with controversies as
usual. Pune DP plan which serves builder interest has been passed. India has
lost series against Pak. Davis cup turmoil still continues.
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