The Pune administration has imposed restrictions in the city for 14 days starting from the night of May 26, banning public gatherings during the period. According to a circular issued by the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), protests, marches, meetings and similar public activities will not be allowed until the restrictions remain in force. The administration has also launched a parallel fuel-saving drive for municipal departments as rising fuel prices and increasing vehicle-related expenses put pressure on civic finances.
Pune Ban News: What will not be allowed during the restriction period
Under the order issued by the civic body, the following activities will face restrictions during the next 14 days:
- Public gatherings
- Protests
- Marches
- Meetings and similar events
- Carrying flammable, explosive or combustible materials.
- Carrying, storing or preparing stones, weapons, projectiles or objects that can be used for violence.
- Possession of items such as spears, swords, clubs, sticks, firearms or any object that may cause harm.
- Displaying or burning photographs, symbolic effigies or images of any individual or leader.
- Raising offensive slogans, making provocative speeches, singing objectionable songs or playing musical
- instruments in a manner that disturbs public order.
- Displaying signs, placards or images considered offensive or against public decency.
- Circulating speeches, visuals or objects that may threaten public morality or safety.
Pune Police have appealed to residents to strictly follow the order and warned that legal action will be taken against those found violating the restrictions.
The administration said the restrictions are part of measures being taken in the current situation.
PMC starts fuel-saving measures for departments
PMC has also directed department heads to reduce unnecessary use of official vehicles and properly plan office-related travel. The administration observed that excessive use of civic vehicles by several departments had pushed up fuel expenses. Officials have now been instructed to use municipal vehicles only for essential work.
The move follows Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal to citizens amid the West Asian crisis and rising petroleum prices.
Pune Curfew News: What is allowed under the new civic order
The circular allows official work to continue but with strict travel and fuel-saving guidelines for civic staff.
PMC officials and employees have been instructed to:
- Use minimum vehicles during official site visits
- Prefer buses, railways and other public transport for office travel
- Use carpooling during joint tours
- Use public transport whenever official travel is necessary
- Travel by metro, local train or public bus at least once every week
- Conduct meetings, seminars and training sessions online as far as possible
Pune administration asks officials to avoid unnecessary trips
The civic body has also issued detailed instructions to reduce fuel consumption and vehicle movement across departments.
Officials have been asked to:
- Strictly control vehicle usage
- Avoid unnecessary travel
- Combine travel plans wherever possible
- Minimise vehicle use for office work
- Use one vehicle instead of multiple vehicles for the same destination
- Adopt carpooling arrangements
Focus shifts to cutting civic expenses
PMC said the decision was taken to reduce fuel consumption and lower the financial burden on the municipal treasury amid rising fuel prices.
The administration noted that major expenses are incurred on fuel, maintenance and drivers. With financial pressure increasing, the civic body has now started focusing on cost-cutting measures.
Attention is now on whether the new order will help reduce fuel consumption and bring tighter control over the use of municipal vehicles.
