PUNE: After nearly eight years of delays, the long-awaited Mahalunge-Maan Town Planning (TP) scheme is finally set to be implemented.
The Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) plans to transfer the execution responsibilities of this project to the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC).
During a recent PMRDA budget meeting, senior officials confirmed that TP schemes primarily located within PMC limits will now be executed by the civic body. A formal notification from the state government is expected soon to finalize the transfer.
The jurisdiction change follows the merger of several villages into the PMC. Officials revealed that over 75% of the Mahalunge-Maan TP scheme now lies within PMC boundaries, while some areas of Maan remain under PMRDA’s authority. Covering 250 hectares in Mulshi taluka, this scheme was first introduced in 2017 and was highlighted as a prototype for urban development at the 2018 Magnetic Maharashtra summit.
According to a senior PMRDA official, “All work completed to date, including arbitration proceedings and planning formalities, will be handed over to the PMC for implementation once the final notification is issued.”
On April 29, the project overcame a significant obstacle when the urban development department (UDD) approved the “first variation” of the scheme. This updated plan reflects modifications based on stakeholder input and crucial flood-line corrections that had previously stalled progress.
The TP scheme aims to revitalize the rapidly urbanizing corridor near the Hinjewadi IT park through organized land reconstitution, featuring wider roads, expansive open spaces, and modern social infrastructure. PMRDA documents indicate that around 225 of the total 250 hectares are earmarked for development, with specific provisions for gardens, utilities, and affordable housing.
For years, the unresolved approvals left landowners and developers in uncertainty. “We willingly surrendered our land, believing in the vision of planned development,” explained Santosh Jagtap, a Maan resident. “However, the delays caused significant confusion, preventing families from developing or selling their plots.”
Another landowner from Mahalunge highlighted that the stagnation has resulted in chaotic, unplanned growth in the area, stating, “We’ve participated in countless hearings and arbitration sessions. Our priority is to have proper roads, drainage, and essential civic amenities.”
The real estate sector has greeted PMC’s potential involvement positively. “The Mahalunge-Maan area is a crucial growth corridor for Pune due to its proximity to Hinjewadi and Baner,” remarked a local developer. “PMC’s leadership will provide necessary clarity to infrastructure planning and future investments. It has been a long wait for all stakeholders.”
