Residents and developers in 11 villages merged with Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) are urging the civic body to approve the long-awaited development plan (DP) for these areas. The villages, which became part of the PMC seven years ago, are facing slow development, with a rise in unauthorized constructions and encroachments in the absence of a clear development framework.
Urban planners emphasize that the lack of a DP has created significant hurdles in planning amenities and infrastructure, such as roads, water supply systems, and healthcare facilities. Shrirang Chavan, a petitioner for the merger of 34 villages, stressed that the improvement of basic services like roads and water supply cannot proceed without a development plan in place. He highlighted the struggle of areas on the fringes, which lack both adequate infrastructure and relief from high taxes.
Senior urban planner Ramchandra Gohad pointed out that the DP is essential for the organized development of these areas. It allows town planners to design public facilities and plan for future needs in sectors like healthcare and education. Citizens’ engagement in the DP process would also help in creating effective micro-plans. Civic officials have announced plans for a Rs 178 crore sewage treatment project, including plants in Manjari and Mundhwa-Keshavnagar, and are exploring the expansion of the 24×7 water supply scheme. However, the state government still needs to complete the final steps in the approval process. Following the 2017 merger of 11 villages, PMC expanded its jurisdiction significantly. In 2021, 23 more villages were added, making PMC the largest municipal corporation in Maharashtra. With over four lakh new properties under its jurisdiction, the approval of the DP is critical for ensuring timely development.
