Pune Town Planning Schemes Delayed Until Year-End

In a significant setback for urban development in Pune, six proposed town planning (TP) schemes covering approximately 1,000 hectares are unlikely to progress until the end of the year due to the state government’s failure to grant necessary approvals. Spearheaded by the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA), these schemes, five of which are strategically located along the proposed ring road, and one centred on the Maan-Mhalunge area, have been awaiting final clearance for over nine months. With assembly elections anticipated soon, a senior PMRDA official indicated that any hope for implementation this year is fading.

The six proposed schemes—Maan-Mhalunge, Vadachiwadi, Autunde Handewadi, Manjari Kolwadi, and two in Holkarwadi—are designed following the Gujarat model, allowing landowners to reclaim 50% of the developed land. While the Central government has earmarked infrastructure funds for these projects, the delays are significantly hampering development timelines. Local residents express their frustration over the uncertainty surrounding the projects, with one Manjari resident lamenting, “The delay means we are no longer sure if these projects will ever take off.” This sentiment underscores the growing concern that these developments are crucial not just for infrastructure but for the socio-economic upliftment of affected communities.

Compounding the issue, the PMRDA recently received in-principle approval for 15 other town planning schemes, yet the absence of progress on the six proposed ones raises questions about prioritisation and resource allocation. The Vadachiwadi scheme will span 134.79 hectares, while the Autunde Handewadi project will cover 94.44 hectares. Two Holkarwadi schemes will encompass 158.19 hectares and 130.78 hectares, respectively, with the Manjari Kolwadi scheme covering 233.35 hectares. Without timely state approval, the allocation of the anticipated ₹125 crore from PMRDA and the ₹25 crore each from the Central government remains in limbo, further delaying critical infrastructure improvements.

From a sustainability perspective, these delays not only affect the immediate development of the proposed areas but also hinder broader environmental goals. Sustainable urban planning requires timely execution to integrate eco-friendly practices into development. Without these TP schemes, Pune risks missing out on opportunities to enhance green spaces and efficient land use, which are vital for improving urban living conditions and addressing civic issues like pollution and inadequate housing. As Pune continues to grow, the importance of swift government action in approving these plans cannot be overstated.