Pune Residents living near the Shaniwarwada are urging authorities to relax the existing no-development restrictions in the area, which have hindered necessary repairs and construction for decades. The rules, established in 1998 and enforced from 2003, prohibit development within a 100-meter radius of the heritage site, leaving the local community in a state of stagnation.
Many residents have expressed concerns about the deteriorating condition of their properties, some of which are at risk of collapse, especially during the monsoon season. “Our homes are in unsafe conditions, and there is a real risk of accidents if repairs are not allowed soon,” said a local resident, highlighting the dangers posed by the dilapidated state of buildings.Over the years, this issue has been raised multiple times in the state assembly, with discussions gaining momentum in recent weeks ahead of the state budget session. Local leaders are now demanding immediate attention to the situation. The blanket construction ban has stifled redevelopment in the area, affecting residents of several neighborhoods including Shaniwar Peth, Budhwar Peth, and Narayan Peth. While the Shaniwarwada remains a vital part of Pune’s cultural heritage, local residents argue that the ongoing prohibition on development is causing unnecessary hardship.
“There is an urgent need for sustainable redevelopment in the area,” said another resident. “We have lived here for decades and cannot continue to watch our homes fall apart without the possibility of rebuilding. The rules must be updated to reflect the needs of modern society.”Critics also pointed out the inconsistency in the application of the no-development rule. For instance, infrastructure projects such as the construction of a grade separator near the Pataleshwar caves, another heritage site in the city, were not hindered by similar heritage preservation regulations. Residents now argue that the same approach should be applied to the rundown wadas in the Peth areas, which are home to thousands of families.
In total, nearly 1,000 properties and 30,000 residents are impacted by the ban, and without redevelopment, these structures may need to be completely rehabilitated in the near future.
Local leaders, including the Kasba constituency MLA, have been advocating for a relaxation of the rules. A letter has been submitted to the Chief Minister, requesting the formation of an expert committee to review the situation and propose solutions. The residents are hopeful that the state government will consider creating a separate policy to allow sustainable development and provide relief to those living in the affected areas. As Pune continues to evolve, the debate around balancing heritage preservation with urban development remains critical. For the residents of Kasba, the relaxation of these construction restrictions could mean the difference between a safer living environment and further deterioration.
