PMC official draws flak for ‘derogatory’ remarks on use of water by citizens

BJP workers ransack the office of Additional Commissioner Naresh Zurmure, demand his repatriation to govt

Political parties in the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) protested on Monday against the alleged statement made by Additional Municipal Commissioner Naresh Zurmure regarding the "use of water" by the residents of the city. They unanimously demanded that Zurmure be repatriated to the state government service.

During a discussion on the environment status report of the PMC on Saturday, Zurmure spoke about the "excessive" use of water by citizens and efforts to bring down the use of water. He had allegedly made derogatory remarks against citizens for "excessive use of water", which evoked strong reactions from all political parties.

As soon as the office hours started at the civic headquarters, BJP workers ransacked Zurmure's office and put footwear on his chair. They also threw black ink on the door of his cabin. The protesters raised slogans against Zurmure, who was on leave, and pasted letters on his office door, condemning his remarks.

Later in the day, the opposition led by MNS, BJP and Shiv Sena protested against him in the civic general body meeting by raising slogans. The elected representatives sought to pass a resolution seeking him to be sent back to the state government service. However, the municipal secretary said such a resolution could not be passed.

On the demand for administrative action against the official, Municipal Commissioner Mahesh Pathak said a clarification had been sought from Zurmure, who had given a detailed reply. "I will go through his clarification and also the video recording of the discussion before deciding on any action," he said.

Pathak said Zurmure had claimed that he was misquoted in the media and offered apologies to citizens.

PMC corporators later held a discussion on the issue in the general body and criticised Zurmure for his style of working. They also took a dig at all officers in the PMC sent on deputation by the state government.

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