Solapur | Staff Reporter

In a major boost to its digital transformation agenda, the Solapur Municipal Corporation (SMC) has entered into a pro bono technical collaboration agreement with leading IT experts. The initiative is expected to accelerate several digital projects, improve citizen services, and generate estimated savings of nearly ₹6 crore through the deployment of advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based systems at no cost to the civic body.

The agreement was formalized during a meeting held at the Krantijyoti Savitribai Phule Hall under the chairmanship of Mayor Vinayak Kondyal. Standing Committee Chairperson Ranjita Chakote, Municipal Commissioner Dr. Sachin Ombase, Deputy Commissioners Ashish Lokare and Sonali Yadav, along with senior officials from various departments, were present on the occasion.

Representatives from Apprely Technology, including directors Saket Mokate and Prasad Kandalgaonkar, outlined their commitment to supporting the corporation’s digital modernization efforts.

Under the collaboration, special emphasis will be placed on upgrading existing software systems, cloud computing, Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), artificial intelligence, automation, database security, project management, system integration, and technical training for municipal employees. The projects will be implemented using Agile and Scrum methodologies to ensure timely and high-quality execution.

The civic body plans to roll out AI-driven systems in phases over the next 18 months. The first application will focus on the grievance redressal mechanism, enabling faster complaint resolution, paperless administration, and greater transparency in governance.

Mayor Vinayak Kondyal described the agreement as a landmark step toward delivering more efficient, transparent, and citizen-centric services through the effective use of digital technology. Municipal Commissioner Dr. Sachin Ombase said the collaboration would provide fresh momentum to the corporation’s ongoing and future digital initiatives.

The initiative marks a significant step in Solapur’s journey toward becoming a smarter, technology-enabled city administration.

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Solapur | Staff Reporter

A fresh controversy has emerged over the DP (Development Plan) Drainage Network Plan prepared during the administrative tenure of the Solapur Municipal Corporation. The plan, which proposes the development of 78 drainage channels across the city at an estimated cost of around ₹100 crore, has come under criticism after civic officials allegedly forwarded the proposal to the state government without completing the mandatory process of inviting public suggestions and objections.

According to sources, proposals for the first phase covering 19 drains have already been submitted to the government for approval. However, corporators and former office-bearers have alleged that the administration bypassed statutory procedures before seeking approval for the project.

The controversy has intensified as the city’s Development Plan-2035 is still awaiting approval from the state government. Despite this, the civic administration independently prepared and submitted the drainage alignment plan. Under planning regulations, citizens, farmers, landowners and other stakeholders are required to be given an opportunity to file suggestions and objections before such plans are finalized. Critics claim this process was completely ignored.

Corporators argue that several proposed drains pass through private properties, agricultural land and plots earmarked for future development. As a result, affected landowners could suffer substantial losses. Additionally, a six-metre restricted zone on either side of the drains is expected to be imposed, potentially limiting construction activity and affecting future urban expansion projects.

Against this backdrop, several corporators have warned of protests, while former office-bearers have termed the existing drainage plan defective and incomplete. They have demanded that the administration first invite public objections and suggestions, revise the plan accordingly and only then submit it to the government for final approval. They have also indicated that they will oppose approval of the plan in its current form.

The issue is expected to come up for discussion in the municipal corporation's general body meeting soon. Observers believe the dispute could further escalate tensions between the civic administration and elected representatives.

Concern Over Long-Term Development Impact

Leader of the House Narendra Kale criticized the plan, stating that the incorrectly designed drainage alignments could impose long-term restrictions on the city's growth.

“The faulty drainage planning will adversely affect Solapur’s future development. Expansion in several areas may come to a halt, while citizens and property owners could suffer significant losses. The administration has prepared this plan illegally without inviting public suggestions and objections,” Kale alleged.

Corporator Claims Private Land Affected

Corporator Basavaraj Kengalkar alleged that a proposed DP drain has been marked through the middle of his nine-acre property near Tai Chowk in Swagat Nagar without any prior notice.

“The administration has shown a DP drain passing through the centre of my land in an arbitrary manner. Nearly two to three acres of my property will be affected. I was neither served a notice nor informed beforehand,” Kengalkar claimed.

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