Pune: Pimpri Chinchwad and Hinjewadi residents raise issues like child safety, traffic congestion, and security in virtual townhall; Police Commissioner responds

Details of Issues Raised

The session received an overwhelming response with citizens raising many issues, discussed matters and constructively contributed suggestions. Following important issues were discussed during the interaction.

Child Safety in Schools

Citizens raised concerns about child safety in schools, given that a few incidents of child abuse have happened recently. CCTV surveillance, criminal verification of school staff, POCSO guidelines training, and the presence of security guards were some of the topics citizens wanted to be addressed.

CP Choubey highlighted the ‘One Day For School’ initiative launched in December 2023 to address this concern. He further added that through this initiative, over 300 schools and 65,000 students have been reached, covering topics such as good touch and bad touch, along with POCSO guidelines. Schools are urged to ensure CCTV installation, mandatory police verification of staff, complaint boxes for students, and the formation of a Student Safety Committee.

A citizen, Niketan, requested further action on POCSO guidelines and training. CP Choubey assured that the police teams are available to conduct sessions in schools and urged schools to reach out via WhatsApp at 95296 91966 for assistance.

Traffic Congestion

Citizens were very vocal about the traffic bottlenecks and congestion, worsened by recent rains. The CP said that the Traffic Branch, in collaboration with PCMC, PWD, and NHAI, identified 26 congestion points. They are implementing solutions such as road widening, removal of encroachments, regulation of heavy vehicles, and the introduction of free left turns.

In Chakan, encroachments were removed at 11 locations including Talegaon Chowk and Alandi Phata.

In Hinjewadi, key areas like Wipro Circle and Radha Chowk are under review, with road widening and traffic regulation measures in progress.

Authorities are also jointly considering to restrict the movement of heavy vehicles during peak hours in Hinjewadi.

Cyber Crime

The rising cyber crime, especially online scams was another important topic discussed by all stakeholders in the meeting. Utility bill scams, government officials impersonation frauds and share market investment frauds were few examples citied.

CP Choubey encouraged citizens to report cyber frauds promptly via the National Cyber Crime Portal or by calling 1930 or by reporting on National Cyber Crime Portal by visiting https://cybercrime.gov.in. The police have registered 216 cybercrime offenses this year, with 72 arrests and over ₹2.5 crores refunded to victims. Additionally, a significant amount of ₹27 crores has been successfully held in lien.

Ganesh Utsav

The commissioner explained that Pimpri Chinchwad Police have organized meetings of peace committees, Ganpati Mandals, and other government departments for better coordination. The police will pay special attention to traffic management during the entire festival. The police authorities appealed to all citizens to follow the noise pollution-related orders/guidelines during the festive season.

A citizen by the username Punekar asked the Police’s preparations to tackle traffic congestion related issues during Ganpati Visarjan. The Police Commissioner while responding to this point said that since Pimpri Chinchwad Police and PCMC have started single window clearance system for obtaining permissions for Ganesh Mandals, it will be easier to track and manage them. Regarding traffic congestion during Visarjan, he said, “we have analyzed the immersion routes and planned traffic diversions at 30 locations. A detailed press note will be shared soon.”

Summary of the Townhall

Participants such as Kush and Chetan also highlighted the need for better road conditions and increased security measures in areas like Punawale and outside schools, respectively. The Police Commissioner acknowledged these issues and outlined ongoing efforts, including road inspections and increased patrolling by Damini squads.

This virtual townhall was initially scheduled for one hour but become so productive and immersive that it had to be extended by half an hour.

This was a unique initiative and the citizens utilized the opportunity to voice their concerns, observations and suggestions in a very productive environment.