Development Plans for Pune Metropolitan Region Stalled, Residents Face Delays

The Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) meetings, chaired by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, were slated for approval of crucial plans on December 5, 2023. However, these meetings have been postponed three times, causing significant delays in developmental projects for residents of the Pune Metropolitan Region (PMR).

Originally scheduled for December 5, 2023, the PMRDA meeting was first moved to January 19, 2024, citing the Gram Panchayat elections. Subsequently, it was deferred again to January 24 and faced another postponement. This uncertainty has raised concerns among PMR residents, as the delay may impact the development of properties and infrastructure projects related to roads, water, sanitation, and drainage systems.

Civic activist Sudhir Kulkarni highlighted the importance of the delayed Development Plan (DP), stating, “If people don’t know the zone, how can they build houses or develop old property?” The PMRDA currently approves plans based on old DP rules, causing confusion and hindrance to development.

The delay in DP approval traces back to 2017, with objections from over 67,000 citizens and interruptions due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite a committee addressing objections and suggestions, the final DP approval is still pending.

Meanwhile, six proposed town planning (TP) schemes covering over 1,000 hectares in PMR are stuck awaiting state government approval. Former director of the Town Planning Department emphasized the significance of these schemes in providing infrastructure facilities and planned development to the growing population. However, the delay in approvals has led to an increase in slums in these areas.

He questioned the state government’s hesitation in approving these TP plans, citing clear provisions in the MRTP Act. He emphasized that the approval delay could result in a prolonged setback for nearly a year if not addressed before the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. PMRDA officials express concerns about pending issues like the draft DP, budget, revised Gunthewari rates, and town planning schemes, urging prompt action to avoid further setbacks.