Interview with Ex PCMC Commissioner - Dr. Shrikar Pardeshi - Destination Moshi

Q. PCMC (Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation) is richest corporation in Asia… what do you have to say about it….

Commissioner: PCMC was the richest corporation in Asia, but not as of now under the per capita measures. This is due to the increase in the population which has led to the increase in denominator. 

Q. What developments are you planning for PCMC?

Commissioner: I am very focused in terms of infrastructural development of PCMC. There are lot of projects to be launched under the JNURM (Jawaharlal Nehru national Urban Renewal Mission ) plan.

BRT services is among them which will be live in a year’s time. The system will when completed comprise eight routes with a total length of 112 km, with improved street lighting and passenger facilities on the roads used by the system.

The BRT operates through four corridors (two from each municipal corporation), which include Nagar Road and Alandi Road under PMC, and Nigdi-Dapodi and Aundh-Ravet under PCMC.

 “There are several misconceptions about the BRT. For instance, since it occupies a sizeable portion of the road, people think it will disturb traffic. Our aim is to convince people that BRT is feasible, by showing them successful examples of the project,” said Dr Shrikar Pardeshi, PCMC commissioner.

In terms of tourism we have already built a Science park which is one of its kind. In 2 years they plan to construct Planetorium at the same location. Balnagari near Moshi and Bhosari is also on cards. This Balnagari is going to be a play zone filled with number of toys and games for children.

Also the beautiful Pavana River front near Morya Gosavi will be developed in terms of leisure activities in near future.

Q. What are you planning to do for Moshi residents differently?

Commissioner: The spine bridge is a high capacity transit road. It has been constructed keeping in mind the heavy load transportation that is it is going to take in near future.

The Metro which connects Chakan ( Proposed International Airport) via Moshi is another attraction.

A 30 m wide BRT is under the cover from Dehu to Alandi via Moshi.

Q. What is your budget for Moshi and how and where has it been distributed or invested?

Commissioner: There are no special budgets allocated to any particular area in PCMC. But, more allocation is given to the areas which are developing rapidly and where the demand is more. Hence Moshi having tremendous capacity to grow is the focus point now.

Q. How well is the water supply distributed in Moshi.. any rainwater harvesting or recycling projects?

Commissioner:  We motivate the builders to use environmental friendly raw materials. Rain water harvesting implementation is a mandate for all builders in their projects.

Q. Are the residential and commercial projects in Moshi planned keeping something different in mind…. Like any new idea implemented?

Commissioner: A concept called Griha from Delhi has been implemented by lot of builders. And the builders who are implementing such more environment friendly measures are given benefits.

Q. Why is Moshi attracting real estate buyers?

Commissioner: Moshi is the fastest growing town because of some prime reasons…

1. Proximity to Chakan – Chakan is the fastest growing industrial area as MIDC has given them a dynamic infrastructure. The world’s greatest automobiles industries have established there office in Chakan, leading to exponential growth for the people around leading to opportunities increase for real estate, employment for all the sectors and much more…..

2. Proposed International Airport – The proposed international airport at Chakan or Khed is another key factor for the development of Moshi.

3.  Moshi is at the border of PCMC, i.e. the last destination within the city limits and then the rural area starts. This talks about its relative proximity to city and its importance.

4. ICC- International Convention Center – this project is under Pradhikaran and is one the largest projects. It will be completed in 3 phases. This project is going to attract lot of investors.

Q. What kind of planning been done or implemented in terms of employment.. like what kind of industries  are coming up in Moshi?

Commissioner: For employment there are lot more industries coming in MIDC Chakan. Also once the ICC is built that would create opportunities. IT Zones have also been allocated.

Q. Any villages planned to join there borders with PCMC… when is that going to happen?

Commissioner: Nothing has yet been finalized. The proposal is yet under covers.

Q. Out of curiosity.. I have question in my mind.. why the name Spine to the flyover.. is spine of PCMC or moshi….

Commissioner: The spine name has been given by Pradhikaran. May its because it connects two major highways – Pune Mumbai Highway and Pune Nashik Highway.

Q. Tell  us something about yourself.. you have completed MBBS MD and then you moved to become an IAS officer…

Commissioner:  I am basically from Sangli …. But was raised in different cities… was in PCMC School till preprimary School. I completed MBBS and parallelly  I was preparing for IAS and MD. I joined IAS services in 2001 with Kolhapur as my first posting. Pune is my 5^th posting. I have in total spent 24 years in Pune.

Q. What motivates you in your life when you go through such hiccups or rough patches in your life.. like whats your strength…

Commissioner: Problems of a common man and an urge to solve those acts as a motivation to me. I am in the system and I have the authority to change the system.

Q. How do you tackle the pressure of maintaining balance between a family man and a commissioner?

Commissioner: Its difficult to put in words.

Q. Where do you like to engage your time when you are not working?

Commissioner: I like to read. I read books which give me new ideas. My favourite authors are Nandan Nilekani and Narayan Murthy.