Pune: Lokmanyanagar Residents Launch Legal Battle Over Redevelopment Delay, Cite MHADA’s Inaction Despite CM’s Orders
Pune: Lokmanyanagar Residents Launch Legal Battle Over Redevelopment Delay, Cite MHADA’s Inaction Despite CM’s Orders
Pune, November 6, 2025: Anger is mounting among residents of Lokmanyanagar as the redevelopment of their decades-old buildings remains stalled despite a clear directive from the Chief Minister. Dr. Madan Mohan Kothule, representing the residents and the Savali Cooperative Housing Society, has initiated legal action against the authorities, accusing the Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA) of negligence and inaction.
Residents of the 40-year-old and structurally unsafe buildings have blamed the government and MHADA for their failure to act promptly. Through advocates Ranjit Gaware and Bhagyashree Belkar, the society has issued a legal notice to the Chief Minister, Pune District Collector, Maharashtra Housing Authority, and Pune Municipal Corporation, highlighting the unsafe living conditions.
The notice argues that imposing a blanket stay on all redevelopment projects in Lokmanyanagar under the name of “cluster development” is unjust, especially when certain buildings are in critical condition, some have completed redevelopment, and others are mid-process.
Dr. Kothule stated, “All buildings in Lokmanyanagar are not in the same condition. Some are completely dilapidated, while others are structurally stable. Imposing a blanket ban without an on-site assessment endangers residents’ lives.”
According to the Savali Society, redevelopment plans had been approved by members in a general meeting. However, after MLA Hemant Rasne wrote to the Chief Minister requesting an integrated cluster development plan for the entire area, the government halted all individual redevelopment projects following the CM’s directive.
The society’s lawyers cited Section 365A of the Maharashtra Municipal Corporations Act, which mandates structural audits of buildings older than 30 years, stating that denying redevelopment violates residents’ safety rights. “If the government does not reconsider this stay, we will pursue the matter in court,” said advocate Ranjit Gaware.
MHADA Yet to Submit Report Despite CM’s Directive
Dr. Kothule also revealed that he had written to MHADA on October 3, 2025, seeking an update on the integrated development report ordered by the Chief Minister on March 11, 2025. MHADA’s response dated March 29, 2025, admitted that although a meeting under the Additional Chief Secretary was scheduled for March 27, it never took place—hence, no report was submitted to the government.
“This proves the administrative inaction behind the continued delay,” said Dr. Kothule. “Even after the Chief Minister’s clear instructions, MHADA has failed to submit the report. Six months have passed with no progress, forcing us to send a legal notice and begin a court battle.”
Residents Allege Builder Nexus
Several societies in Lokmanyanagar had already initiated redevelopment under MHADA’s guidelines, with some even receiving approval. However, residents claim the new cluster project proposal benefits select builders. “This decision serves political and builder interests, not the public,” they alleged, accusing MHADA officials of favoring builders through political interference.
Following the legal notice by Savali Society and the court petition filed by Dr. Kothule, the case is expected to gain traction at both administrative and judicial levels, potentially reshaping the future of redevelopment in Lokmanyanagar.
