Pune over the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation’s (MSRDC) decision to lease a prime 2.25-acre plot near Sassoon Hospital to a private developer for a period of 99 years at a considerably undervalued rate of ₹60 crore. This decision has provoked a strong backlash from the Pune Contractors Association and other stakeholders who are challenging the rationale behind this move.
The plot in question, located in Mangalwar Peth, is a site of historical and cultural significance, particularly revered by engineers. Members of the Pune Contractors Association, who spearheaded a protest against this decision, argue that the land should not be commercialised. Instead, they propose that the site be utilised for constructing a memorial dedicated to Bharat Ratna Sir Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya, a renowned engineer whose contributions to the field are celebrated annually on his birth anniversary, September 15th, observed as Engineer’s Day. During the protest, association members underscored the historical importance of the Mangalwar Peth plot, highlighting that Sir Visvesvaraya, a legendary figure in Indian engineering, once worked there. They contend that the establishment of a memorial and a specialised building for the construction department would be a fitting tribute to his legacy. This proposal, they believe, would better serve the community and preserve the historical essence of the area.
The President of the Pune Contractors Association criticised the government’s decision to lease the land to a private developer, describing it as a “throwaway” deal that fails to reflect the actual market value of the property, especially given the rapid development occurring in the surrounding areas. “This prime plot in Mangalwar Peth, owned by the MSRDC, is being handed over to a private builder at a price far below its real worth. The decision is short-sighted, considering the land’s future potential,” he remarked. The MSRDC, established in 1996 to oversee road development and infrastructure management in Maharashtra, inherited several properties from the Public Works Department. These properties were initially leased to the MSRDC to support its development projects. However, in a controversial move in 2016, the government authorised the MSRDC to lease these lands to private entities to generate revenue. The current decision to lease the Mangalwar Peth plot has reignited debate over the ethics and implications of such actions.
Local contractors and engineers have expressed concerns that the leasing of this historically significant plot to private developers could set a precedent for further commercialisation of public lands, potentially undermining public interest. They are urging the government to reconsider the decision and instead endorse the proposal for a memorial and an engineers’ building, which would honour Sir Visvesvaraya’s contributions and maintain the cultural integrity of the site. The growing dissent highlights the ongoing tension between development objectives and heritage conservation in urban planning. As the MSRDC moves forward with its plans, the opposition from local contractors and civic groups is expected to intensify, raising questions about governance, transparency, and the long-term vision for Pune’s urban landscape.
