Pune: Protest Erupts at PMC Office as Shiv Sena Accuses Health Department of False Dengue and Chikungunya Data

Pune, 27th August 2024: Pune City has been struck by dengue and chikungunya outbreaks, with many households reporting cases of cold and fever. However, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) Health Department is allegedly providing false statistics. In response, Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) party workers staged a strong protest in the office of the PMC commissioner, accusing the administration of failing to spray preventive medicines. During the protest, they held placards and shouted slogans.

Shiv Sena (UBT) Pune Chief Sanjay More, along with Gajanan Tharkude, Prithviraj Sutar, Vishal Dhanawade, Vasant More, Avinash Salve, Bala Oswal, Pallavi Jawale, Prachi Alhat, and others, participated in the demonstration. Due to a delay in meeting the commissioner, the protesters began chanting slogans such as, “Commissioner Saheb, Come Out,” “Prohibit PMC Administration,” and “Administration in Power, Punekars Ignored.”

After the meeting, Commissioner Dr. Rajendra Bhosale met with the office bearers. When the commissioner provided information about the administration’s efforts, the officials claimed that the data presented was false and that the actual situation was much worse. They criticized the PMC for only spraying after dengue cases were detected, rather than as a preventive measure, which they believe has led to an increase in disease cases.

It was also brought to the commissioner’s attention that no tender had been issued to hire spraying workers due to a dispute between contractors. Additionally, Prithviraj Sutar pointed out the growing pig population in Pune, particularly in Kothrud, where pigs are being reared in drains. Despite filing a written complaint, the Health Department has allegedly ignored the issue and taken no action. Dr. Bhosale assured the protestors that the PMC would immediately plan a solution.