The Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) has released its ambitious draft Development Plan (DP), covering 173.24 square kilometres, marking a crucial step in the twin city’s urban evolution.
The draft, approved in a recent general body meeting by senior officials, integrates 28 newly merged villages, reflecting the area’s expanding boundaries and population demands. This comprehensive plan opens for public consultation for 60 days, inviting citizens to contribute to shaping Pimpri-Chinchwad’s sustainable future. PCMC’s draft DP represents a forward-looking urban strategy to address rapid demographic growth and infrastructure needs. Established in 1982 through the merger of seven villages, the municipal limits have since progressively expanded, incorporating 18 additional fringe villages in 1997 and later Tathawade in 2009. This growth trajectory necessitates an updated development framework that aligns with contemporary urban challenges, environmental sustainability, and equitable access to resources.
To ensure technical precision and environmental sensitivity, PCMC engaged an Ahmedabad-based consultancy renowned for Geographic Information System (GIS) expertise. The consultancy utilised advanced satellite imaging, drone surveys, and ground-level instruments to generate an accurate land-use map, handed over to officials in early 2022. This data-driven approach enables planners to optimise land utilisation while balancing conservation and urbanisation. Population projections within the DP anticipate a rise from 42.4 lakh residents in 2031 to an estimated 61 lakh by 2041. These figures, sanctioned by the state’s directorate of town planning, underscore the urgency for robust infrastructure and housing policies that prioritise green building practices, renewable energy integration, and climate-resilient urban design. PCMC officials emphasise that the plan incorporates increased floor space index (FSI) regulations, promoting vertical growth to reduce urban sprawl and preserve open spaces.
A key element of the draft plan is its harmonisation with regional transport networks overseen by Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) and the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA). To address traffic congestion and improve mobility, the DP proposes road widths of no less than 12 metres in dense zones, with new arterial roads set at 18 metres minimum. Existing roads are slated for widening where required, supporting seamless connectivity and reducing vehicular emissions through better traffic flow. Culturally sensitive urban design has also been factored in, with two designated ‘Palkhi Tal’—rest stops for pilgrims along the historic Dehu to Pandharpur pilgrimage route—preserved within the plan. Furthermore, the traditional green belts along rivers have been reimagined as ‘Riverfront Recreational Sites,’ enabling compensatory mechanisms for landowners while facilitating public access to revitalised natural spaces, thereby enhancing ecological sustainability and community well-being.
PCMC authorities have stressed the legal compliance and transparency of the DP’s publication process. Citizens are encouraged to actively participate during the 60-day consultation window by submitting constructive feedback and objections, which will be scrutinised by a specially constituted seven-member planning committee. This committee, comprising elected representatives and urban planning experts, is tasked with ensuring that the final plan reflects both technical rigour and the community’s aspirations. As Pimpri-Chinchwad stands on the cusp of a significant urban transformation, this draft DP is pivotal in steering growth towards an eco-friendly, gender-inclusive, and equitable cityscape. The strategic emphasis on compact development, integrated infrastructure, and cultural preservation aligns with broader goals of creating resilient urban habitats that balance economic growth with environmental stewardship.
The forthcoming deliberations and final approval by the state government will determine the trajectory of this rapidly evolving city. For residents, investors, and policymakers alike, the DP offers a blueprint not only for expansion but for sustainable, inclusive urban living in one of Maharashtra’s fastest-growing regions.
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