Senior citizens who visit the virangula kendra or recreation centre at plot no. 59A, Sector 19, in Kharghar, have complained that the City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO) has not provided basic amenities like water supply to the centre.
The centre, which was started in July, does not have any recreational facilities like indoor game equipment or books either.
Ramesh Ingle (65), says, “There is no facility that would attract senior citizens to the centre. Many of us have diabetes, blood pressure and other ailments, and need to use the bathroom. But with no water supply, the bathroom at the centre is not functional.”
Yuva Prerna Samajik Sanstha, a local organisation that runs and maintains the centre, has said that despite repeated requests, CIDCO officials have not taken any action. Kiran Patil, president of the organisation, said, “We have already paid annual rent of ₹1,100 to CIDCO in July. The officials had assured us that water would be supplied soon. But six months on, there is no water connection yet.”
Mr. Patil said there are three recreation centres for senior citizens in Kharghar, in Sectors 12, 19 and 20. Only the one in Sector 12 is functioning without a hitch, while the one in Sector 20 is still not operational, he said.
P.B. Kale, Superintendent Engineer (Water Supply), CIDCO, said, “We currently have water storage, and our main focus is to ensure that the residents get water supply regularly. As the nodes in question will be handed over to Panvel Municipal Corporation soon, let them decide over it.”
Panvel Municipal Commissioner Sudhakhar Shinde, however, said that no nodes have been handed over to the Panvel civic body. “Thus, it is CIDCO’s responsibility to ensure water and other facilities are provided to the recreation centre.”
Netra Patil, BJP corporator from Ward 4, accused CIDCO officials of shirking its responsibility. “As the node is currently with CIDCO, it is its duty to provide the facilities. I even met the CIDCO MD and asked him to do the needful.”
