A metaphorical description seems fitting. The Public Works Department in Mumbai stands as a silent giant. It has witnessed over 150 years of Maharashtra’s evolution.
Initially, one department handled irrigation, roads, bridges and public buildings. Think about that for a moment. The Public Works Department once oversaw all these critical functions. In 1960, Maharashtra was formed. The department reorganized into two distinct entities. There was the Irrigation Department and the Building and Communication Department. Housing became the responsibility of another department in 1980. The Public Works Department got re-established.
Now, let us consider the department’s crucial roles. It constructs new roads and bridges. It maintains and repairs existing ones. The Public Works Department constructs government buildings. It also maintains and repairs existing government buildings. Deposit contribution works are undertaken. These relate to various Maharashtra government departments and local bodies. Resettlement work occurs after natural disasters like floods and earthquakes. Roads get built under the Employment Guarantee Scheme. Helipads are built for VIP visits when needed. Rent is fixed for private premises housing government offices.
But there’s more. The Public Works Department designs, constructs and maintains airport runways. They develop parks and gardens near public buildings. They landscape grounds transforming them into gardens. Government rest houses and circuit houses are reserved. They auction fruit trees along roadsides. The department permits constructing approaches to private properties from roads. Irrigation drains, electricity lines, and telephone cables are managed along roads. Encroachments along roadsides are removed. Certificates are issued to cinema houses about structural stability. They also handle electrical fittings conforming to regulations. Certificates for lift operations in private buildings are issued. Government land is leased for exhibitions or circuses temporarily. Trees are planted along both sides of the roads.
Imagine the scale of operations. The Public Works Department’s work touches every citizen’s life. From roads we travel to buildings we use. The department’s influence is undeniable. The Public Works Department’s history echoes India’s growth. It is a story of continuous adaptation and essential service.