Pardeshi-led team headed for Denmark, 'hosts paying’

Chaitanya.Marpakwar





Mumbai: Days after CM
Devendra Fadnavis directed cancellation of foreign tours of ministers,
officials and legislators, the Dy CM Eknath Shinde-led urban development (UD) department
cleared an 8-day visit to Denmark for a delegation led by MITRA (Maharashtra
Institution for Transformation) CEO Praveen Pardeshi. The visit, starting May
16, is for ‘technical awareness on climate-smart water infrastructure.’



A govt resolution (GR) said, “The entire expenses of this
foreign tour will be borne by the Royal Danish Embassy, New Delhi.” It added, “The
Centre’s Ministry of External Affairs has granted e-political clearance for the
tour on May 14, 2026.”



Apart from Pardeshi, the 5-member delegation includes
Solapur municipal commissioner Sachin Ombase, standing committee chairperson
of Solapur civic body Ranjita Chakote and Umred mayor Prajakta Adamane.



Officials said Danish ambassador to India Rasmus
Abildgaard Kristensen wrote to CM Fadnavis asking him to allow the delegation
despite the current situation. Kristensen’s letter to Fadnavis said, “The
Danish govt has paid for the entire visit including the tickets and their stay,
therefore I request you to kindly grant your permission for this visit to be undertaken
as all preparations are completed and funds have already been spent. Various
teams in Denmark are ready to receive the delegation. I understand and deeply
respect the current situation. I write simply to convey that the delegation -
including a senior team from the World Bank - is in place, and that Maharashtra’s
participation would be a significant and valued contribution to what promises
to be an important exchange for both our countries.”