Virtual Town Hall a Platform for Citizen-Police Dialogue

Pimpri Chinchwad Police Commissioner held a successful X (Twitter) Virtual Townhall meeting last week, personally addressing citizen concerns. I commend the Commissioner for this initiative to directly engage with citizens. For those who missed the meeting, I've compiled a summary of the Commissioner's key responses on 10 topics in this article.

10 Topics:

1. Ganesh Festival

2. Cyber Crime

3. Traffic Violations

4. Mumbai Bengaluru Bypass Highway

5. Hinjawadi IT Park Area

6. Chakan MIDC Area

7. Traffic Bottleneck Spots

8. School Safety

9. School Awareness | One Day For School

10. Women's Safety

1. Ganesh Festival

On the occasion of Ganeshotsav, last year we introduced the 'Moraya Award' for the best Ganesh mandals. This award is given based on the following criteria: environmental friendliness, no use of DJs, displays with socially significant messages, and most importantly, mandals that strictly adhere to the given permissions.

Additionally, to ensure a peaceful festive season:

• We have organized meetings of peace committees, Ganpati mandals, and other government departments for improved coordination.
• Special attention will be given to traffic regulation during the festive season. Your input is welcome.

We appeal to all citizens to comply with the noise pollution-related orders and guidelines during the festive season.

2. Cyber Crime

Pimpri Chinchwad Police have shown strong progress in tackling cybercrime this year. They've registered 216 offenses, arrested 72 accused from across the country, and recovered over Rs. 2.5 crore for victims. A substantial fraud amount of 27 crores has been successfully placed on lien/hold.

Report cyber fraud immediately on the National Cyber Crime Portal: cybercrime.gov.in or Call the toll-free helpline number: 1930

3. Traffic Violations

This year, we took action against approximately 25,000 violators for signal jumping, 12,000 for rash driving, and 84,000 cases of no parking and obstruction to traffic. Action will be intensified in the coming days.

4. Mumbai Bengaluru Bypass Highway

Service road between Bhumkar Chowk and Mukai Chowk is narrow and its condition has deteriorated due to the rains. As a result, traffic is moving slowly at Punawale and Tathawade underpass. To regulate traffic, we have transferred 60 additional staff to the traffic department. Also, a joint inspection has been conducted with PCMC and NHAI regarding road widening and repairs

5. Hinjawadi IT Park Area

Hinjawadi traffic is one of our key priorities. We're working with PMRDA, MIDC, PWD, and Metro Authorities on road widening, repairs, and completing other civil work. Wipro Circle, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Chowk, Tata T Junction, and Radha Chowk are recurring congestion spots. We're managing these issues with barricades, ropes, and other traffic regulation measures during peak hours, as suggested by citizens. Additionally, a joint proposal to restrict heavy vehicle movement in Hinjawadi and surrounding areas is in progress.

6. Chakan MIDC Area

Chakan has always faced traffic challenges, particularly on Pune-Nashik Road and Talegaon Chowk. We've been addressing these issues systematically. Last month, we conducted a major drive to remove encroachments at 11 locations in Chakan, providing relief to commuters. We've widened the service road by demolishing unauthorized structures and are shifting electric poles to create more space. After this, we'll implement free left turns to further ease traffic flow. Road surface leveling will be completed after the rainy season. Additionally, we're regulating heavy vehicle traffic during peak hours, based on citizen feedback.

Here are the 11 locations where encroachments were removed:

1) Talegaon Chowk

2) Mutkewadi

3) Manik Chowk

4) Ambethan Chowk

5) Medankarwadi Phata

6) Balajinagar

7) Macchi Bazaar

8) Bangla Wasti

9) Shel Pimpalgaon

10) Spicer Chowk

11) Alandi Phata

7. Traffic Bottleneck Spots

Traffic congestion has worsened due to the ongoing rainy season. Our Traffic Branch, in collaboration with PCMC, PWD, and NHAI, has identified 26 major congestion points and bottlenecks based on citizen feedback. These locations include:

1) Mukai Chowk

2) Kala Khadak Road Junction

3) Godown Chowk

4) Talawade Chowk

5) Finolex Chowk

6) Bhumkar Chowk

7) Bharat Mata Chowk

8) Phoenix Mall Area

9) Khandoba Mala Chowk

10) Kashid Park

11) Boratevasti Chowk

12) Bhosari Bus Stand

13) Triveni Nagar Chowk

14) Punawale Bridge Underpass

15) Nashik Phata

16) Chikhali Chowk

17) Laxmi Chowk

18) Dehu Phata

19) Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Chowk

20) Tilak Bridge Junction

21) Pimpri Chowk

22) Dapodi Metro Station

23) Bhujabal Chowk

24) Ganesh Nagar Chowk

25) Tathawade Underpass

26) Dange Chowk

All stakeholders are working together to address these issues through measures such as:

• Road widening and repairs
• Removal of encroachments
• Regulation of heavy vehicles
• Introduction of free left turns where possible
• Increased traffic personnel

8. School Safety

Last week, a meeting was held with trustees, principals, and administrators of all schools within the Pimpri Chinchwad Police jurisdiction. They were informed about the rules and instructed to ensure that all school and transportation staff undergo police verification.

As per the latest government resolution (GR) issued on August 21, 2024, by the School Education and Sports Department of Maharashtra, schools must implement the following measures:

• CCTV Installation: All private and government schools must install CCTV cameras on their premises.
• Police Verification: Mandatory police verification of all employees, including those on a contractual or outsourced basis.
• Complaint Box: A mandatory complaint box must be available for students to anonymously report issues.
• Student Safety Committee: Each school must establish a separate student safety committee.

9. School Awareness | One Day For School

In December 2023, the Pimpri Chinchwad Police launched the "One Day For School" initiative. Our teams have already visited over 300 schools, reaching more than 65,000 students to educate them on topics like POCSO Guidelines and Good Touch vs. Bad Touch.

We encourage all parents and school management to WhatsApp us at 95296 91966 if you would like our teams to conduct this session at your school.

10. Women's Safety

Our 34 Damini squads, stationed across 18 police stations, regularly visit schools, colleges, and tuition classes to prevent harassment. We will issue instructions to increase the frequency of Damini squad patrols. Contact 112 immediately for any police emergency. You will receive immediate assistance.