PUNE: Nearly seven years after being highlighted as a premier urban development project at the Magnetic Maharashtra summit, the Mhalunge-Maan town planning (TP) scheme is still awaiting the final approval from the state government, leaving many landowners in uncertainty.
Initiated by the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) in August 2017, the project was touted as a key initiative during Devendra Fadnavis’s first term as Chief Minister. Despite renewed directions in July from Fadnavis to the urban development department (UDD) to accelerate processes, officials confirm there has been no advancement in the past three months.
A senior PMRDA official remarked, “We are waiting for a new notification from the state government. The UDD was tasked with verifying our proposal and providing feedback. While four other TP schemes received approval, this one remains on hold. We have already resubmitted the plan after addressing previous objections regarding flood-line demarcations.”
Officials indicate they are uncertain why this scheme hasn’t been cleared, especially after correcting all procedural issues. In the meantime, landowners—many of whom willingly vacated their plots—are facing challenges, unable to sell or develop their properties.
Numerous discussions with officials have yielded no results.
Covering 250 hectares, the Mhalunge-Maan TP Scheme is inspired by the Gujarat TP model, which allows landowners to receive 50% of developed plots within the same scheme. However, no plot allocations have occurred, despite the foundational framework being finalized.
Frustratingly, four other PMRDA schemes have been approved in the last three months, while Mhalunge-Maan remains stagnant.
A group of residents and landowners recently protested for immediate clearance. “We trusted that this project would enhance our area and now we’re stuck unable to build or sell our properties. It’s time for the groundwork to commence,” said a local farmer who joined the protest.
Citizen activist Jayesh Murkute, who spearheaded the march, expressed, “The project was first approved in 2017 and later showcased at the Magnetic Maharashtra event in 2018, allegedly promising a high-tech township. Years have passed with no movement. Landowners are left unable to develop while the surrounding infrastructure declines.”
Residents have raised concerns about deteriorating roads, dust and pollution from RMC plants, water shortages, and garbage accumulation. “The PMRDA should either finalize the project or clarify the reasons for the delay,” stated another landowner.
Officials noted that upon approval, the scheme would unlock over 460 plots, with 350 designated for landowners and 110 reserved by PMRDA for public amenities, open spaces, and housing for economically weaker sections.
