The Pune Zilla Parishad (District Council) has formally requested the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) to allocate ₹136 crore for development activities.
This move comes as the city grapples with the rapidly urbanizing areas that now form part of its limits, especially concerning infrastructure upgrades, natural resource protection, and addressing encroachments on vital land assets. The request focuses on addressing critical issues in the 32 villages recently merged into the city’s administrative boundaries. These villages are facing an acute lack of basic amenities, with pressing concerns over drinking water availability, road networks, waste management, and environmental degradation. The Zilla Parishad has highlighted the need for immediate financial support to preserve the region’s vital natural assets, including percolation lakes and bunds, which are crucial for Pune’s water security.
A letter sent by the Chief Executive Officer of the Zilla Parishad to the PMC outlines the urgency of preserving and protecting these water bodies, which are under increasing threat due to encroachments and unregulated construction. The authorities have called for a concerted effort to demarcate the boundaries of these lakes and remove illegal constructions that hinder their functioning and threaten their long-term sustainability. The development of these natural assets is a critical step in protecting Pune’s water resources. As urban sprawl continues to accelerate, these lakes and bunds face increasing pressure from encroachments and construction activities. Their preservation will not only protect the city’s water resources but also play a key role in maintaining the ecological balance, ensuring that Pune remains resilient to climate change impacts, including water shortages.
In response to the growing environmental concerns, the PMC has already initiated steps to safeguard several lakes within the city, such as those in Pashan, Model Colony, and Katraj. However, officials acknowledge that extending these efforts to other water bodies in the newly merged villages will require additional financial support. The allocation of ₹136 crore would enable the city to enhance these ongoing efforts, covering the preservation of at least 25 to 30 more lakes and bunds within the newly merged areas. While the preservation of natural resources is a major focus, the funds would also be directed towards improving basic infrastructure in these villages. Despite the merger, many areas continue to suffer from inadequate public services. Residents have repeatedly raised concerns about insufficient road infrastructure, poor waste management, and lack of access to clean drinking water. These issues are exacerbated by the rapid urbanisation of these areas, which were once part of rural districts and are now experiencing intense pressure due to the growth of Pune.
In addition to infrastructure improvements, the request also includes efforts to improve solid waste management and ensure efficient garbage disposal systems across the merged areas. These initiatives aim to bring the new areas in line with the city’s cleanliness standards and reduce the environmental burden of inadequate waste management. The demand for ₹136 crore is also part of a broader call from residents and local advocacy groups in these areas for a more equitable distribution of resources. Many residents are urging the PMC to allocate at least ₹1,000 crore from the municipal budget to address the development needs of these underserved areas. Critics argue that years after the merger, basic services continue to lag behind, while the new villages are expected to integrate seamlessly into the city’s expanding infrastructure system.
However, the PMC is grappling with financial constraints, as highlighted in its budget for the fiscal year 2025-26. The ongoing slowdown in the real estate sector has led to a reduction in revenue, particularly from building permissions and development charges, which are the primary sources of income for the municipal body. This has left the PMC with a 10% deficit in its projected revenue collection. As a result, the PMC faces significant challenges in funding large-scale development projects, such as the ones requested by the Zilla Parishad. The expansion of Pune’s urban limits, coupled with financial difficulties, underscores the importance of collaboration between the PMC and the Zilla Parishad. Both bodies will need to work together to ensure that the newly merged areas do not fall behind in terms of access to essential services, while also safeguarding the city’s natural resources.
Experts argue that addressing these issues early on is crucial for ensuring sustainable urban development in Pune. The city’s rapid growth and expanding boundaries demand coordinated action to meet the needs of its residents, particularly those in newly incorporated areas. Ensuring that these areas have equitable access to services and preserving their natural resources will be key to Pune’s long-term sustainability.
Ultimately, the success of these development efforts will depend on the willingness of the PMC to prioritize these issues within its strained budgetary constraints. With the support of the Zilla Parishad, the merged villages could receive the financial backing needed to tackle these urgent infrastructure and environmental challenges, laying the foundation for a more sustainable and equitable future for all residents of Pune.
Pune Zilla Parishad Seeks Rs 136 Crore for Village Development
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