Delays in state approvals are jeopardising six proposed town planning schemes in the Pune Metropolitan Region, including Maan-Mhalunge and others. Designed on the Gujarat model, these projects aim to develop around 1,000 hectares but are causing uncertainty among landowners. While the central government is expected to allocate infrastructure funds, the ongoing delays may hinder the timely implementation of these vital developments.
Six proposed town planning (TP) schemes, covering an area of 1,000 hectares in the Pune Metropolitan Region and set to be implemented by the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority, are unlikely to commence until the end of the year, as the state government has yet to approve the proposals. Five of these schemes are planned along the proposed ring road, while the sixth concerns Maan-Mhalunge, which was presented as a model scheme during the 2019 assembly elections.
With assembly elections expected to be announced soon, it is anticipated that the projects will not move forward until the year ends. Recently, in-principle approval was granted for 15 additional town planning schemes included in the approved PMRDA budget.
The six schemes Maan-Mhalunge, Vadachiwadi, Autunde Handewadi, Manjari Kolwadi, and two at Holkarwadi are being designed based on the Gujarat model, which allows landowners to reclaim 50% of the developed land. The central government has announced infrastructure funds to support these schemes. Authorities have stated that the delay in approving the proposals is hindering the development of the affected areas.
Maan-Mhalunge was the first town planning scheme proposed by the state government. The draft development plan for the remaining five schemes in the Pune Metropolitan Region was approved earlier in January, advancing the projects along the proposed 82-kilometre ring road and paving the way for development work on nearly 5,000 hectares.
The project at Vadachiwadi is set to cover an area of 134.79 hectares, while the one at Autande Handewadi will span 94.44 hectares. One of the two schemes at Holkarwadi will occupy 158.19 hectares, and the other will be on 130.78 hectares. Additionally, Manjari Kolwadi will encompass 233.35 hectares.
Due to the delays in approvals, residents who will need to relinquish their land for these schemes are now uncertain about the implementation timeline. Suraj Soni, a resident from Manjari, remarked that the ongoing delay would mean that no project would commence this year.
Officials indicated that the state government's delay would further postpone the allocation of central funds for infrastructure. The central government is anticipated to approve INR 25 crore for each of the five town planning schemes, excluding Maan-Mhalunge, while the PMRDA has earmarked INR 125 crore for these projects.
The ongoing delays in approving the town planning schemes in the Pune Metropolitan Region underscore the need for timely decision-making by the state government. These projects are crucial for local development and infrastructure enhancement, with significant implications for landowners and the community. To realise their potential, prompt action and collaboration between state and central authorities are essential, ensuring that the proposed schemes move forward without further hindrance.
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