Pune-Pimpri Land Crackdown: Government Seizes 30 Plots Worth Over ₹200 Crore Over Rule Violations
Pune, May 26, 2026: In a major crackdown on land rule violations, the Maharashtra government has taken possession of 30 plots in Pune, Pimpri-Chinchwad, and other parts of the district after finding breaches of conditions attached to the land allotments. The seized properties are collectively valued at more than ₹200 crore, officials said.
According to the district administration, most of the plots are located in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad. These lands were originally allotted by the government either under occupancy rights or on lease agreements subject to specific terms and conditions.
Authorities stated that Class-2 category lands include plots allotted for temples, rehabilitation projects, watan lands, ceiling lands, tribal land allocations, and government-leased properties. Any sale, transfer, or change in usage of such lands requires prior government approval and payment of prescribed fees.
Under existing rules, Tehsildars are authorised to grant sale permissions for rehabilitation and tenant lands, while permissions related to tribal and temple lands are handled by the state government. Divisional Commissioners and District Collectors oversee permissions concerning government land transfers.
Action Initiated After Land Scam Cases Surfaced
The large-scale verification drive was launched after alleged irregularities related to land transactions at the Botanical Garden in Mundhwa, Agriculture Department land in Bopodi, and Animal Husbandry Department land in Tathawade came to light recently.
Following these incidents, Pune District Collector Jitendra Dudi directed officials to inspect all such leased and allotted lands and submit a detailed report. During the investigation, the administration reportedly identified around 350 cases involving violations of allotment conditions.
Officials confirmed that the process of reclaiming these lands has already begun, and 30 plots have so far been taken back and transferred to government control.
Around 2,000 Government-Allotted Plots in Pune Region
The administration revealed that nearly 2,000 plots in Pune, Pimpri-Chinchwad, and surrounding areas were allotted by the state government either on lease or under occupancy rights. Several institutions linked to political figures and major educational organisations are believed to be among the allottees.
Of the 30 reclaimed plots, 14 are located in Pune city, two in Pimpri-Chinchwad, and 14 in other parts of the district.
Reasons for Government Takeover of Lands
Authorities cited multiple reasons for reclaiming the plots, including:
* Failure to use the land for the purpose for which it was allotted
* Non-utilisation of the land within the stipulated time period
* Failure to renew lease agreements after expiry
* Keeping the land unused despite government allotment
