Divisional Commissioner to play crucial role in CSMRDA urban planning

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar:

Amid widespread complaints of alleged administrative irregularities in the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Metropolitan Region Development Authority (CSMRDA), reportedly raised by political circles, architects, and builders to the Chief Minister, Principal Secretary, and the Directorate of Town Planning (DoTP), Divisional Commissioner Jitendra Papalkar has been transferred with around eight months remaining before his retirement.

According to political sources, G Sreekanth, who was earlier posted as Director of the Jal Jeevan Mission, has been brought back and given a key role in view of planned industrial investments expected in the authority’s jurisdiction, with an aim to ensure structured urban planning.

There are also allegations that officials and employees who have been stationed in the authority for several years are not allowing new personnel to take charge. Some staff members, reportedly drawn from the Revenue Department and WALMI establishment, are said to be holding technical posts without adequate technical expertise. Concerns have also been raised over alleged irregularities in pay revisions and long-standing benefits being granted despite changes in grade, which is now under inquiry by the DoTP.

Irregularities in the BPMS (Building Plan Management System) have also been reported, including alleged offline approvals and issuance of construction permissions even without clearance of dues. These issues, it is claimed, have disrupted planned urban development within the authority area.

To address these concerns, G Sreekanth is expected to play a crucial role following his reassignment.

Future development plan for the authority

The CSMRDA covers 311 villages, along with 26 villages recently merged from Cidco, and parts of the Waluj industrial area have also been brought under its jurisdiction. Future planning aims to develop the northern region for tourism and the southern region for industrial growth. A comprehensive development plan is expected to be prepared in the coming period. Currently, the divisional commissioner also holds additional charge as the metropolitan commissioner (CSMRDA).