Maharashtra government has officially cancelled the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) Development Plan (DP) covering an extensive area of 6,000 square kilometres.
This decision comes after prolonged legal disputes and objections from various stakeholders, leading to the need for a fresh planning process. The PMRDA, established in 2015, was tasked with enhancing the infrastructure and urban development of Pune, Pimpri-Chinchwad, and surrounding areas. The comprehensive development plan, which was first announced in 2017, aimed to outline Pune’s growth trajectory, including land use, zoning, road networks, and environmental considerations. However, the draft plan faced strong resistance, with over 67,000 objections and suggestions from citizens, alongside legal challenges that further complicated its progress. The legal hurdles intensified when a High Court stay order was imposed in October 2022, halting any further development on the plan. This judicial intervention left the project in a state of uncertainty, delaying critical urban planning activities. With no resolution in sight, the Maharashtra government decided to scrap the existing DP entirely, marking a fresh start for Pune’s urban planning journey.
Officials have confirmed that the PMRDA will now initiate a new planning process, focusing on addressing the legal concerns raised in the previous draft. The revised plan is expected to retain the original vision of sustainable growth while incorporating key modifications to meet current legal and urban development standards. Notable changes in the new framework include the introduction of 18-meter-wide roads to improve connectivity, reassignment of land reservations to better reflect urban needs, and adjustments to zoning regulations. These modifications aim to create a more efficient, sustainable, and inclusive urban environment. The cancellation of the development plan has raised questions about the future of Pune’s urban infrastructure. Experts suggest that while the decision may cause short-term delays, it offers an opportunity to rectify past shortcomings and design a more resilient urban framework.
This development also reflects broader trends in urban planning, where legal compliance, public participation, and sustainable growth are becoming increasingly vital. As Pune continues to expand, the new development plan will play a crucial role in shaping the city’s future, with a focus on eco-friendly, gender-neutral, and equitable urban spaces. The Maharashtra government has directed the PMRDA to inform the High Court about the plan’s cancellation, which is expected to nullify the pending legal petitions. This step aims to clear the path for the new development process, ensuring that Pune’s growth aligns with both legal requirements and the aspirations of its residents. The city’s stakeholders, including local authorities, urban planners, and residents, are now looking forward to a more inclusive and sustainable approach to urban development, with the hope that the new plan will address long-standing issues while paving the way for a greener, more connected Pune.
PMRDA Development Plan Cancelled Due to Legal Issues
