PUNE: The Khadki Cantonment Board (KCB) is set to take stringent measures against individuals and organizations exploiting public properties created for the benefit of local residents. This decision comes after a review of properties within the board’s jurisdiction and numerous complaints from residents.
In the last ten years, marriage halls, gyms, community centers, and temples have been built on cantonment land with funding from the MLA Local Area Development Scheme. However, officials have noted that these spaces are often managed by private operators for profit, undermining their initial purpose.
KCB’s CEO, Manisha Lohia, confirmed the board’s findings. “These facilities were intended to assist residents lacking access to such amenities. However, we’ve received complaints regarding excessive charges and mismanagement. After investigating, we found violations, and strict measures will now follow,” she stated.
Residents have welcomed the decision, seeing it as long overdue. Activist Shabaz Sayyed remarked, “These facilities should serve the community, but they’ve turned into profit-making entities. If the cantonment board reclaims control, it will benefit everyone, especially those who can’t afford costly private venues.”
Complaints largely centered on high fees for hiring marriage halls and using gyms, which were meant to be low-cost. There were also allegations of informal leases to private operators treating these facilities as businesses. The board is compiling a list of corrective actions, including issuing notices, imposing penalties, and revoking permissions for serious violations.
Officials emphasized that this crackdown aims to uphold accountability. “We can’t allow facilities funded by public money to become private enterprises. The public deserves access to these resources,” Lohia added.
KCB governs the Shivajinagar assembly constituency and oversees areas like Range Hills, Khadki Bazzar, and Sapras.
