Pune Municipal Commissioner suspends Sinhgad Road district officials for failure in flood control

Reported by Sumit Singh & Tikam Shekhawat

Pune, July 27, 2024: Municipal Commissioner Dr. Rajendra Bhosale has ordered an inquiry and suspended Deputy Commissioner of Sinhagad Road Ward Office, Sandeep Khalate, on the grounds that he failed to control floods 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 rains in its catchment area. This flooding resulted in the river bursting its banks and inundating 70 to 80 communities in Ekta Nagar, Vitthal Nagar and Nimbaj Nagar. Residents expected immediate relief, clean-up, necessary health spraying and garbage disposal once the flood receded. However, there was a lack of coordination in these efforts.

Municipal Commissioner Bhosale attributed the failure to Deputy Commissioner Khalate. Complaints from residents of Vitthal Nagar about inadequate water supply and sanitation reached the Commissioner, resulting in Khalate’s suspension and an order for an inquiry into his conduct.

According to the suspension order, Commissioner Bhosale inspected the flood-affected areas on July 25 and found that Khalate’s response was not diligent and responsible. Khalate’s failure to maintain quality, propriety and responsibility in the discharge of 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 responsible for completing the investigation against Khalate, including signing the memorandum and producing the officers and witnesses.

2. Khalate is prohibited from leaving the jurisdiction of the Municipality without prior permission of the Commissioner.

3. Khalate is entitled to a living allowance as per municipal service rules.

4. The suspension order should be recorded in Khalate’s service record book.

In June, following heavy rains, Commissioner Bhosale had directed municipal workers to work night shifts. In view of the recent floods, it is necessary to investigate whether these night workers have been performing their duties effectively.