Eye on security,civic body to restrict visiting hours

“The security issue gained importance after the blast. We are upgrading security in civic offices; hence the freedom with which citizens now move about in the civic buildings will be restricted,” said Ramesh Shelar,officiating security chief of PMC.

As per the proposal,citizens will be allowed to visit the civic headquarters,office of zonal commissioner and ward officer only between 3 pm and 5.30 pm,he said adding,“We are consulting the city police before finalising the timing.”

The civic staff say they are unable to perform their duties effectively due to visits throughout the day.

Kothrud resident Shreyas Deshpande,who has been making rounds of the civic office seeking action against a restaurant for operating in an unhygienic manner on residential premises,said,“I have no interest in making rounds of the civic offices but am compelled to do so to get the work done. Things move only after sustained visits to the offices. I may not be able to pursue it effectively if there are time restrictions; in all likelihood I would simply give up.”

Keeping civic offices open to public only for two-and-a-half hours would lead to crowding during those hours and work against the very rationale behind the move of ensuring public safety,said activist Vihar Durve. The proposal is slated for discussion in the legal committee next week.