NCP city chief to fight draft development plan despite internal opposition

Rajya Sabha MP and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) city chief Vandana Chavan would independently submit her objection report to the municipal commissioner on the present status of the draft development plan (DP) of Pune.

Strong views: Ignoring opposition from own party members who want to remove reservations from open spaces, hilltops, slopes, playgrounds and water bodies in the city, NCP city chief Vandana Chavan is now all set to raise her voice against the blueprint of development plan. PIC/Ishan Ghosh

Ignoring opposition from own party members who want to remove reservations from open spaces, hilltops, slopes, playgrounds and water bodies in the city, Chavan has finished preparing her response and is now all set ready to raise her voice against the blueprint.

"I am aware that some of my party workers are not in agreement with my views. To overcome this problem, we have formed a committee of corporators who would state their standpoint on the issue. I am, however, firm on my decision to protest against the arbitrary removal of reservations, which may mess up the environment in the city," said Chavan.

This is not the first instance where Chavan has had to go against her own party workers, when it comes to the subject of conservation and protection of the environment. About two years ago, when she stuck to her stand of not allowing any construction in biodiversity parks (BDP), she was termed anti-party by two NCP corporators.

"If you look at the map of the draft DP, you will see that they the architects have only marked in blue the place where the river that flows under the Lakdi Bridge has been channelised by the civic administration. Other areas have been depicted in white, which according to the rules means these sites would be available for construction," said Chavan.

She added that many open spaces, hilltops and slopes have also been presented in such a way that these would be available for construction purposes. "I have not only decided to submit my objection report to the civic authority, but will also share my report with any two citizens whose suggestions and objections would also be welcomed," added Chavan.

Sending out a message
While addressing media persons yesterday, Chavan also gave information about the rally that would be conducted tomorrow in the city. The assembly would be organised for conservation of environment, with the message 'save food, save nation' for the citizens.u00a0