PCMC Opposition Leaders Demand High-Level Probe into Statue Project Irregularities
In a significant development, opposition leaders within the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) have formally called for a comprehensive investigation into alleged corruption and procedural violations surrounding the construction of the Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj statue in Moshi's Borhadewadi area. The demand was articulated in a letter addressed to civic chief Vijay Suryawanshi, spearheaded by Bhausaheb Bhoir, the leader of opposition and an NCP corporator, alongside other corporators from the NCP and Shiv Sena.
Allegations of Tender Manipulation and Favoritism
The opposition has raised serious concerns regarding the tendering process, alleging that it was conducted in a suspicious manner that appeared to unduly benefit a specific contractor. According to the letter, the project has been plagued by irregularities from its very inception. Bhausaheb Bhoir highlighted a critical issue where PCMC reportedly suffered a loss of approximately Rs 14 crore due to the project site being relocated. This shift was necessitated by inadequate land verification by the consultant, pointing to significant oversight in the planning phase.
"We are not opposed to the statue's construction, but it must be executed with absolute transparency and free from any irregularities," Bhoir emphasized, underscoring the opposition's stance on accountability rather than obstruction.
Contract Award and Cost Escalation Under Scrutiny
Further allegations include the awarding of the contract to a firm with no prior experience in such monumental projects, raising questions about the selection criteria. More notably, the opposition leaders pointed out that the tender amount for the second phase of the project was increased by nearly 35% without issuing a fresh tender. This move contravenes established norms, which mandate a new tender if the revised cost exceeds 10% of the original estimate, suggesting potential financial mismanagement.
Sulbha Ubale, a Shiv Sena corporator, added to these concerns by criticizing the recent approval of an additional Rs 52 crore for civil and electrical works. She argued that combining these works into a single tender limited participation from specialized bidders. "Separate tenders should have been floated to ensure competitive bidding. Additionally, while other projects have seen bids below estimates, this tender exceeded the estimated cost, which is highly suspicious," Ubale stated.
Financial Implications and Project Status
Civic officials disclosed that approximately Rs 52 crore has already been expended on the project, with Rs 32 crore allocated specifically for the bronze statue crafted by renowned sculptor Ram Sutar. The recent approval of an additional Rs 52 crore brings the total investment to a substantial figure, despite earlier objections in the standing committee. The proposal was initially stalled but later cleared by the committee chairman and approved in the general body meeting, albeit with continued opposition.
The 140-foot statue, touted as the first of its kind, is projected to become the tallest structure dedicated to the Maratha ruler globally. A senior PCMC official indicated that the project is on track for completion by November this year, pending the resolution of these allegations.
Call for Transparency and Accountability
The opposition's demand for a high-level inquiry committee aims to uncover any malpractices and ensure that public funds are utilized efficiently. This move reflects growing scrutiny over municipal projects in Pune, emphasizing the need for robust oversight mechanisms to prevent corruption and uphold integrity in civic undertakings.
