Pune: The Indian Institute of Architects (IIA) Pune Centre organized an awards ceremony recognizing senior architects for their contributions to the profession, while Pune Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar highlighted the government’s ongoing infrastructure initiatives that are expected to transform the city over the next three to four years.
Speaking at the event, Kumar said that although transportation challenges in Pune remain complex, multiple infrastructure projects are underway to strengthen the city’s mobility ecosystem.
“Although the issue of transportation in Pune is difficult, the government is working well to strengthen the infrastructure of the city. Many works like flyovers and expansion of the metro are being started by the government in the city, which will strengthen the infrastructure and help in improving the transportation system. We will see the face of the city change in the next three to four years,” he said.
The event was organized by the Pune centre of the Indian Institute of Architects at Bougainvillea Farms, Vakil Nagar, D. P. Road.
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Indian Institute of Architects Honors Senior Professionals and Educators
Indian Institute of Architects Award for Excellence in Profession
During the ceremony, senior architects Anurag Kashyap, V V Badawe, Narendra Dengle, and Ramchandra Gohad were honored with the IIA S. K. Belvalkar Award for Excellence in Profession.
In addition, Dr Asmita Pethe, Vinish Desai, and Asmita Joshi received the IIA S J Contracts Award for Excellence in Teaching for their contributions to architectural education.
Present at the event were Vikas Achalkar, Chairman of the Pune Centre of the Indian Institute of Architects, Vice Chairman Shitesh Agarwal, along with Sameer Belvalkar and Saurabh Jangle.
Following the ceremony, Vikas Achalkar, Shitesh Agarwal, and Sandeep Mahajan interacted with the Police Commissioner.
Infrastructure Development and Police Facilities
Amitesh Kumar noted that some police station buildings under the Commissionerate are currently operating from rented premises, while others are aging and undergoing renewal.
“Some buildings of the police station under the Police Commissionerate are on rent. Some buildings are old, the process of renewing them is underway.
The construction of a new building is currently underway in the Police Commissionerate and its work will be completed in the next two years,” he said.
He also emphasized the importance of urban design and public space utilization.
“The open space under the Flyover in the city needs to be used for good work. If that place is beautified, it will add to the beauty of the city,” Kumar said.
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Indian Institute of Architects: Role of Architects in Urban Planning
Highlighting the role of architects in city development, Kumar said authorities would ensure architects are not unnecessarily harassed during their professional work.
“Architects are creative people, they usually do not do anything wrong, but while they are working, they need to be careful,” he added.
Architect Ramchandra Gohad emphasized the need for long-term urban planning. “Considering the current rate of population growth, there is a need to plan and create new cities. The youth have an opportunity to do something new by working with organizations like CIDCO and MMRDA and they need to take advantage of it,” he said.
