The much-anticipated Mhalunge-Maan town planning scheme in Pune remains in limbo, five years after its initial unveiling at the Magnetic Maharashtra investor summit in 2019. Despite initial enthusiasm and investor interest, the project has yet to commence, pending crucial approvals from the state government.
The Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) has attributed the delay to the need for final approval from the state’s urban development department. A senior PMRDA official stated, “The state urban development department will take a final call on the approval of the five town planning schemes proposed in the Pune Metropolitan Region. It should be cleared before the announcement of the state polls.”
The PMRDA had submitted a revised plan for the scheme to the state government before the Lok Sabha elections for approval. The preliminary plan had received approval in December 2019, but subsequent adjustments to flood lines necessitated further revisions. Encompassing 250.5 hectares, the Mhalunge-Maan scheme aims to benefit 5,800 people. It is one of five projects requiring a total of 751.55 hectares, including areas in Wadachiwadi, Autade Handewadi, Manjari Kolwadi, and Holkarwadi. Funding for these projects will initially come from PMRDA’s own resources, supplemented by central urban infrastructure funds.
The town planning schemes are integral to the proposed 128km PMRDA inner ring road, with 26 such schemes planned along the first 32km stretch. Under the town planning scheme, 50% of the developed land will be returned to the original owners. The government will need to appoint an arbitrator to hear the landholders’ cases and allocate plots accordingly. After the hearings, the draft will be resubmitted to the government for execution.
Showcased at the 2019 Magnetic Maharashtra investor summit, the Mhalunge-Maan project had attracted considerable interest. However, the intricate process of securing multiple approvals and clearances has stymied progress.
Another PMRDA official remarked, “While the initial funding will be allocated from PMRDA’s own funds, the central urban infrastructure funds will also be available for these schemes.” This financial strategy underscores the PMRDA’s commitment to the project despite the bureaucratic hurdles.
The delays underscore a broader issue within the state’s infrastructure development framework, where ambitious projects often encounter prolonged approval processes, hampering timely execution. As stakeholders await the state’s decision, the PMRDA remains poised to advance the project, pending the necessary green light from the urban development department.
