PCMC chief issues show-cause notices to YCM Hospital dean and garden superintendent

Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) Commissioner Vijay Suryavanshi has issued show-cause notices to two senior civic officials. They are YCM Hospital dean Dr Rajendra Wabale and chief garden superintendent Mahesh Gargote. The notices have been issued over separate allegations of misconduct and irregularities. Both have been given two days to submit a written reply.

Suryavanshi has warned that if either official fails to reply in time, or if the reply is found unsatisfactory, disciplinary action could follow.

The notices come after the commissioner suspended 11 PCMC officers and employees in the past seven months.

Dr Wabale received his notice after a police case was registered against him. The case was filed on the allegation that he insulted an assistant professor. In seeking an explanation, the commissioner pointed to the nature and gravity of the allegations and the ongoing police investigation.

The notice says the dean's alleged conduct was unbecoming of a government employee and that he did not maintain complete integrity in discharging his duties. The allegations are still under investigation.

Gargote's notice concerns a different matter. It relates to the permission granted to fell 52 heritage trees on a private plot in Pimpri. According to the notice, the civic administration had received complaints that the permission was granted without following rules, government directives and the required administrative procedure.

The complaints also say that the number and age of the trees were understated or altered to make felling easier. The notice states that such irregularities may have caused PCMC a financial loss and a fall in revenue.

Gargote has been told to appear in person within two days, submit a written explanation and say why disciplinary action should not be initiated against him.

As chief garden superintendent, Gargote is responsible for developing, maintaining and repairing the corporation's gardens. Planting new trees, looking after them and protecting existing ones also fall within his work. The notice says he is expected to exercise proper supervision and control over the work entrusted to him.

The allegations about tree felling will now be examined through the civic administration's process. The notice does not make clear that the alleged irregularities have been proved.