City based activists raise concern over PMC’s move to sell open spaces
Akash Dhanurkar & Renuka Suryavanshi
Pune Municipal Corporation’s move to sell the reserved plots to private players has received a backlash from the citizens. Pune based lawyer, Advocate Satya Muley has sent a legal notice to PMC. As per the reports it suggests that 118 reserved plots afe being considered for selling it to private players. The proposal is awaiting approval from the city Commissioner.
Basically, these reserved plots were earmarked to make government schools, colleges, hospitals and other amenities in public interest. It is being said that involvement of private players into this matter will not just make the situation worse, but also deprive citizens from getting basic government amenities.
PUNE BASED Activists share their views : –
Qaneez Sukhrani – “Under DCPR 15.4 PMC can convert reserved amenity space in their possession for general public use only under listed items. It is unacceptable that PMC plans to sell to builders who will construct and overburden depleting infrastructure and services. PMC should apply mind to study thorougly before making such proposals”
“We had a meeting and we have come to the conclusion that we may challenge the decision in court, if needed. PMC has many spaces then why do they have to sell the public spaces, ” said Vaishali Patkar, a social activist from Aundh and president of Aundh Vikas Mandal.
Maithili Manakawad from Wanawadi Residents Forum shared that though there are no open spaces available in Wanowrie I am still forwarding a letter protesting against this move.
Y K Gupta, joint secretary, NIBM Road Residents Forum told Pune Pulse that we have decided to hold a signature campaign against this alleged selling of plots by PMC. This is an injustice on the citizens where the open spaces earmarked for development projects mainly for citizens purpose are being used to generate funds.
Nitin Memane, Chairman Kharadi Residents Association Narauttam Das, Secretary, Kharadi Residents Association informed Pune Pulse that an online signature campaign protesting this move has already begun. The members shared that Kharadi lacks basic facilities and we won’t let PMC take away our basic rights .. There are no play grounds, gardens, any amenities for the local residents despite being such a developed area having world famous IT parks and renowned companies.
“These amenities are for the benefit of citizens and PMC cannot give it away at their free will. Pune is a choice that people have made to settle because of its amenities, culture and climate. These amenities are meant to enhance the living of the residents. By giving away these spaces , they will not be utilised properly. The areas will be converted into a concrete jungle thus reducing the green cover and having an impact on climate as well, ” said Mehzabin Saiyed, a Kharadi Resident.
PMC’s say :
Rajendra Muthe, head of land and estate department, Pune Municipal Corporation speaking to Pune Pulse said, “There is no official confirmation to the selling of these plots yet.”
Upon countering his initial statement to the media, Pune Pulse questioned him that upon the consideration to sell the land. He said, “Honestly, we are considering but these plots will be sold to build public amenities.”
Pune Pulse also questioned him that why is PMC putting ahead the proposal even after getting resistance from the PMC citizens. He said, “We will take people into confidence and then the decision will be taken. We have also reviewed the legal notice, and hence commissioner would take a call on it.”
List of areas from where the plots are up for sale –
- Balewadi – 7
- Ambegaon – 5
- Baner – 14
- Katraj – 2
- Bavdhan Khurd – 1
- Dhanori – 3
- Dhayari – 5
- Ghorpadi – 1
- Hadapsar – 5
- Hingne Khurd – 1
- Katraj – 2
- Kharadi – 19
- Kondhwa Budruk – 9
- Kondhwa Khurd – 8
- Kothrud – 4
- Mohamadwadi – 4
- Pashan – 5
- Shivaji Nagar – 1
- Undri – 1
- Vadgaon Budruk – 9
- Vadgaon Khurd – 2
- Vadgaon Sheri – 3
- Warje – 3
- Yeolewadi – 4
