Ajit Pawar Reviews Pune Works, Seeks Action on Raisin Imports

17 Jul 2025 CW Team

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar reviewed key civic issues and ongoing infrastructure projects in Pune during his visit on Sunday. He focused on waterlogging, road conditions, and traffic congestion in Hinjawadi while inspecting progress on Pune Metro Line 3 and other development works.

In a post on X, Pawar shared, “Today, I inspected various local issues and the development works of Pune Metro Line 3 at Rajiv Gandhi IT Park, Hinjawadi.” He reviewed construction at Station No. 06 (Croma), Stations 02 and 03, Helipad Circle, Maan Road, Maan Village, and Laxmi Chowk. He instructed officials to take swift action to resolve rain-related waterlogging and traffic problems in the area.

Separately, on Friday, Pawar wrote to Union Ministers Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Piyush Goyal urging immediate intervention to curb the illegal import of substandard Chinese raisins. He stated that these imports are bypassing duties and taxes, causing raisin prices to fall by Rs 100–150 per kg, severely affecting local grape growers.

He warned that the influx of cheap imports is not only hurting farmers but also leading to substantial tax evasion, reducing national revenue. In his letter, Pawar demanded tougher inspection, improved tax enforcement at ports and airports, and measures to stabilise raisin prices during the peak season.

The Maharashtra State Grape Growers’ Association had earlier raised the issue with Pawar, highlighting the serious impact on domestic agriculture.

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