Residents and members of the Pimpri Chinchwad Cooperative Housing Societies Federation (PCCHSF) have opposed the municipal corporation's proposal to convert 1.55 hectares of land in Tathawade from a public semi-public zone to residential use. They argue that this decision could set a precedent for similar conversions, jeopardizing public amenities. A senior PCMC official noted that citizens have time to raise objections before the proposal is sent to the state government for a final decision. Concerns were also raised about the impact on local education and the lack of elected representatives to voice citizens' needs.
In Pune, a group of citizens, along with members of the Pimpri Chinchwad Cooperative Housing Societies Federation (PCCHSF), have expressed their opposition to the municipal corporation's plan to change 1.55 hectares of land in the Tathawade area from a public semi-public zone to residential use. Members of the federation asserted that this decision could establish a precedent for similar conversions, resulting in residents losing access to spaces designated for public amenities. Last month, the municipal commissioner and administrator, Shekhar Singh, approved the proposal to convert the amenity land into residential during a general body meeting of the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC).
A senior official from the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) stated that the reserved land currently accommodates a private school associated with a prominent state politician, and approximately 40% of the area functions as an open playground. The official noted that while the modification procedure had been approved, citizens still have time to raise objections, with some already being submitted. The official explained that, in line with procedure, objections would be addressed before the proposal is forwarded to the state government for a final decision. Additionally, a condition has been set, stipulating that no permissions for residential development would be granted without ensuring that 40% of the area is preserved for a playground.
According to media reports, PCCHSF secretary Sudhir Deshmukh has written to the PCMC commissioner and the urban development department of Maharashtra to express objections regarding this issue. Deshmukh expressed concerns about the rapid population growth in Pimpri Chinchwad, highlighting the influx of new residential projects in Tathawade. He indicated that if the modification proceeds, it could set a precedent, leading the PCMC to alter land use across the board, ultimately causing citizens to lose sight of public amenities.
The proposed conversion of public land in Tathawade to residential use has sparked significant opposition from local residents and the PCCHSF, who fear the erosion of public amenities and the establishment of a concerning trend for similar developments. The ongoing dialogue between citizens and municipal officials underscores the importance of community input in urban planning. As the PCMC navigates this contentious issue, the lack of elected representatives raises further concerns about accountability and responsiveness to the needs of the community, highlighting the need for a balanced approach to development that prioritizes both growth and public welfare.
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