PCMC launches Sustainability Cell aiming sustainable development

PUNE, Maharashtra: Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) has launched its Sustainability Cell in an effort to achieve sustainability targets across the three aspects of economic development including social equity, environmental protection and improving overall liveability.

During the launch, Shekhar Singh, Municipal Commissioner, PCMC, said that the cell will be within the structure of the PCMC and will focus on initiatives that are innovative and lead towards sustainable development.

“Any development in the city should be done considering the needs of citizens but with a cautious sense of sustenance and needs of the future generations. Additional Commissioner Jitendra Wagh and Joint City Engineer (Environment) Sanjay Kulkarni have been pivotal in bringing this initiative to fruition,” he said.

The event was attended by K H Govinda Raj, Principal Secretary, Urban Development Department, PCMC officials, and various stakeholders from NGOs, citizen groups from Pimpri Chinchwad, industries, urban practitioners, academia, and subject experts.

To develop a thorough set of suggestions and action plans that the PCMC may implement under the Sustainability Cell, a consultation workshop was also held with various stakeholders.

The conceptualisation of the cell was done by the civic environment department with support from the City Transformation Office at the PCMC. “The objectives of the cell will be in line with the outcomes of PCMC City Strategy Plan 2030,” Singh said.

As part of the urban local body, the cell would also work on achieving the targets set by various national and international frameworks ensuring ease of living for its population.