After excision, Army suggests closing of 24 roads in Pune Cantt
After excision, Army suggests closing of 24 roads in Pune Cantt
The Pune Cantonment Board (PCB) area’s Local Military Authority (LMA) has suggested closing public roads in eight of the twelve civilian pockets that were created after excision, citing the availability of alternate or link roads for commuters to use.
In a letter dated March 4, the military authorities informed PCB CEO Subrat Pal that road closures would be enforced in specific areas to preserve the cantonment’s uniformity. They further declared that the state government would be responsible for maintaining all roads under excision that accommodate civilian traffic.
Among these roads are:
Nehru Marg, 1.2 km; Abdul Kalam Marg, 1 km; LBS Marg, 1.2 km; Jijamata Marg, 0.9 km; MM road upto HQ Southern Command, 0.4 km; Rajendra Singhji Road, 0.8 km; Mayo Road, 0.6 km; Kahun Road 1.2 km; Pattison Road, 0.8 km; PG Road, 1.3 km; Arjun Road 1.1 km; Ross Road, 0.8 km; Mans Fd Road, 0.6 km; Dr Coyaji Road, 1.3 km; Stavely Road, 0.7 km; Llyod Road, 0.4 km; Lawrence Road, 1.3 km; Napier Road, 0.9 km; Cross Road, 0.7 km; Wanowrie Road, 1.0 km; RF Lines Road, 2 km; Fergusson Road, 1.0 km; Wanowrie Road 0.9 km and Kitchner Road, 0.6 km.
In addition to expressing concerns about the security of removing the PCB’s civil area, the LMA Dakshin (south) Maharashtra and Goa sub-area has suggested an FSI of one to protect its security establishments.
The PCB has sent the chief secretary of Maharashtra a comprehensive 45-page draft proposal seeking the excision of civil areas; however, the LMA’s main argument is that “no excision without FSI restriction.”
For commercial areas immediately surrounding its numerous sensitive installations and establishments, the Army has recommended an FSI of one.
According to the LMA, there will likely be a spike in traffic into the cantonment area following the excision. It is suggested that some roads that are currently accessible to the public be closed in order to protect the interests of the locals.
Of the twelve separate pockets suggested in the excision, eight have roads designated for closure. These roads will be blocked in order to control access to the eight main pockets and to protect the station’s security. Very few of the routes that are slated to be closed have defense land adjacent to them. The LMA noted in the official communication that there are alternative link roads available, so the closure of these roads won’t have an impact on traffic flow.
