Pending Approval Delays Execution of Proposed Town Planning Projects in Pune Metropolitan Region
The Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) has encountered a setback as the state government has not yet approved their proposed town planning schemes covering 1,000 hectares in the Pune Metropolitan Region. These six schemes, of which five are planned along the proposed ring road and one is dedicated to Maan-Mhalunge, were expected to commence soon but are now unlikely to see any progress before the end of the year.
Delayed Approvals Cause Frustration
Over the last nine months, PMRDA has submitted proposals for the five schemes situated along the ring road, while the revised plan for Maan-Mhalunge was recently submitted. Unfortunately, the government has not granted final approval for any of them yet. These delays are hindering the development of the respective areas and causing frustration among officials. Furthermore, with the upcoming assembly elections, it is unlikely that these projects will see any progress until next year.
Implications on the Proposed Schemes
The six proposed town planning schemes that await government approval include Maan-Mhalunge, Vadachiwadi, Autunde Handewadi, Manjari Kolwadi, and two developments in Holkarwadi. Inspired by the successful Gujarat model, these projects aim to provide landowners with 50% of the developed land as compensation. Additionally, the Central government has allocated infrastructure funds for these schemes, highlighting their importance.
A Glimmer of Hope in the Approved Budget
Lately, in-principle approval has been granted to 15 more town planning schemes in the approved PMRDA budget. While these 15 schemes are separate from the six that lack approval, it indicates a positive step towards advancing infrastructure development in the Pune Metropolitan Region. However, without the final approval for the six pending projects, the overall progress in the region may be hindered.
Details of the Proposed Schemes
The Maan-Mhalunge scheme, being the first project proposed by the state government, is currently awaiting approval. On the other hand, the development plan for the remaining five schemes, situated in the Pune Metropolitan Region, was approved in January this year. This approval paved the way for the projects positioned along the 82-kilometer ring road covering almost 5,000 hectares of land.
Among the individual schemes, Vadachiwadi will encompass 134.79 hectares, Autande Handewadi will cover 94.44 hectares, one of the two schemes in Holkarwadi will occupy 158.19 hectares, the other one will span 130.78 hectares, and the Manjari Kolwadi project will encompass 233.35 hectares. These projects, when executed, have the potential to transform and bolster the development prospects in the Pune Metropolitan Region.
Looking Ahead
While the delay in approving the proposals for the town planning schemes in the Pune Metropolitan Region has undoubtedly hampered progress, it is important to emphasize that these projects hold significant promise. It is hoped that the state government will expedite the approval process and provide a clear path for execution, enabling these projects to contribute to the overall development and prosperity of the Pune Metropolitan Region in a timely manner.
