Pune: After facing criticism from citizens over the towing of vehicles obstructing traffic, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has decided to steer clear of it by issuing a circular stating that the civic body is not responsible for the drive.
 
The circular mentions that the drive is being carried out by the Traffic Police Department and that the PMC is not taking any action, instead only ‘providing support to the police department as per State government directives.’

The PMC and Traffic Police Department initiated the drive to tow vehicles which are creating obstacles to traffic during the night from December 6. They towed 116 vehicles and parked them in the riverbed at Deccan. The police are charging fine as per PMC’s General Body proposal of Rs 5,000 for two-wheelers, Rs 10,000 for three-wheelers and Rs 15,000 for cars, jeeps and buses. This hefty fine has invited a sharp criticism towards the civic body from citizens and corporators. This prompted the PMC to issue the clarification. 

Head of Anti-encroachment Department of PMC Madhav Jagtap said, “We have issued a circular and cleared people’s doubts. As per (State government’s) order, the PMC is providing support such as towing van, space to place seized vehicles and security personnel. It is not a PMC drive. It is the responsibility of the Pune Traffic Police and Regional Traffic Department to remove the vehicles.”

Traffic Police Department clarifies
“It is true what the PMC has mentioned in the circular. It is a joint exercise to tow the vehicles and charge a fine by using civic infrastructure. But, the civic body is not taking any action. Identifying the vehicles and charging fine is the responsibility of the Traffic Police and RTO Department. As per the State government’s guidelines regarding action on unused vehicles, the PMC should provide the infrastructure such as space and towing vans,” said Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Tejaswi Satpute.