PUNE: Seven years after the state government granted initial approval for the Mahalunge–Maan town planning (TP) scheme, the flagship project, which was highlighted during the 2019 Magnetic Maharashtra Investor Summit, is still pending final clearance from the state Urban Development Department (UDD), as reported by a senior PMRDA official.
The Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) emphasized that while this model scheme remains a priority, delays have arisen due to the necessity of multiple approvals. A senior PMRDA official mentioned, “The scheme is currently under evaluation and is anticipated to receive clearance soon.”
These delays come despite previous assurances from the UDD indicating that the proposal was close to approval. Officials have commented that the timeline has been further extended due to the ongoing model code of conduct for the Zilla Parishad and Panchayat Samiti elections.
Following the preliminary approval in December 2019 for the Mahalunge–Maan project, technical challenges, including adjustments to regional flood lines, have necessitated changes to the original layout.
The scheme encompasses a total area of 250.50 hectares with approximately 460 plots. Out of these, nearly 350 plots will be returned to the original landowners, while PMRDA will acquire 110 plots for public amenities and open spaces. About 5,800 stakeholders are involved in the scheme.
In addition to local development, these town planning schemes play a vital role in enhancing the region’s infrastructure. They form a key component of the proposed 128-km PMRDA Inner Ring Road, with plans for up to 26 similar schemes along the initial 32 km of the ring road to finance the project.
According to the standard TP process, the state government appoints an arbitrator to conduct discussions with landholders concerning plot allocations. After these discussions conclude, the draft scheme must be resubmitted to the government for final implementation—a step not yet completed for the Mahalunge–Maan project.
