PUNE: The state government approved the transfer of three land plots adjacent to the Mula-Mutha river for the Riverfront Development Project (RFD) on Thursday. A total area of 52,851 sqm will be transferred to the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) as per the decision made during a state cabinet meeting.
The land parcels comprise an 11,015 sqm section between Sangamwadi Bridge and Bund Garden Bridge, a 34,128 sqm area at the Mundhwa Botanical Garden, and an additional 7,700 sqm plot in the Mundhwa area, currently owned by the Women and Child Welfare Department.
Mayor Manjusha Nagpure expressed support for the state’s decision, emphasizing its potential to enhance the river’s condition. Standing Committee Chairman Shrinath Bhimale stated that the project will advance swiftly, with the committee also approving a proposal by corporator Dada Kodre to extend the riverfront development from Mundhwa to Manjari.
During the Standing Committee meeting, Bhimale announced that a proposal for a land allocation near the PMPML bus depot for the Balewadi garbage transfer unit was also approved. This unit recently experienced a fire, and local corporators and activists advocated for additional space to manage waste effectively and alleviate citizens’ difficulties.
Rejuvenation and Conservation of the Peshwa-Era Katraj-Shaniwarwada Water Supply Project
The PMC’s Standing Committee granted approval for the rejuvenation and preservation of the historic Katraj to Shaniwarwada water supply project, as proposed by NCP corporator Suhas Tingre.
Tingre noted that the plan aims to protect the water line as part of a “heritage conservation project.” He elaborated that this system, which effectively supplied water during the Peshwa era, consisted of nearly 20 km of pipelines transporting water from Katraj Lake to central city areas, complemented by various storage tanks.
He urged that all remnants of the project should be preserved, with efforts made to revitalize the historical system.
Other Important Decisions
– The committee approved a proposal to reduce the penalty for late property tax payments from 2% to 1%. This will proceed to the general body for approval before being sent to the state government for consideration.
– A fund allocation of ₹10 crore was approved for the PMC-run Kamla Nehru Hospital to enhance medical services.
