PUNE: The state government has established a 12-member committee to re-survey river flood lines across Maharashtra, including areas in Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad, nearly a year after making this commitment in the assembly. The panel is expected to submit its report within two months.
The government has tasked the committee with reviewing current regulations and suggesting amendments to the Unified Development Control and Promotion Regulations (UDCPR) to facilitate the use of Transfer of Development Rights (TDR) for properties built within flood lines prior to the irrigation department’s demarcation in 2009.
A significant number of properties, particularly in Pimpri Chinchwad, were constructed before this demarcation 17 years ago. Although these constructions are deemed legal, redevelopment has been hindered because developers are reluctant to pursue projects without the ability to utilize TDR under existing rules.
The committee consists of officials from various departments, including town planning, environment, irrigation, and relief and rehabilitation, along with municipal commissioners from Pimpri Chinchwad, Kolhapur, and Chandrapur, where the situation is particularly severe and impacts a large population.
The assembly raised this issue in March last year, prompted by Chinchwad BJP MLA Shankar Jagtap, who received a commitment from the government for a statewide re-survey. “This decision is a significant relief for the citizens of Pimpri Chinchwad and throughout the state. For years, the unresolved issue has obstructed building permissions and redevelopment efforts. The new survey will clarify the regulations and alleviate confusion,” Jagtap stated, noting that CM Devendra Fadnavis had promised a re-survey during the civic election campaign earlier this year, which has now been initiated.
Residents have pointed out that at least 124 housing societies in Chinchwad, many established 30-40 years ago, face redevelopment challenges due to their locations within the designated flood lines. While they welcome the government’s action, there are concerns about the committee’s composition.
Yogesh Rane, a member of the Chinchwad Housing Societies and Apartments association, expressed, “The committee is composed solely of administrative officers. The government should involve public representatives and experts from citizen groups. The flood line issue originated from administrative decisions, raising doubts about whether the same system can provide satisfactory solutions,” emphasizing that the report should address the residents’ need for relief.
Environmental activists have labeled this decision as long overdue, criticizing the unscientific manner in which existing flood lines were established. Activist Sarang Yadwadkar revealed that he approached the National Green Tribunal in 2014, which ordered the state to revise the flood lines, yet no action followed. “Though this move is welcome, the government must avoid allowing additional TDR or Floor Space Index (FSI) usage for properties already within flood lines, as this would heighten flood risks. A rehabilitation plan and relocation to safer areas must be prioritized,” he argued, noting that many authorized structures face the same situation across cities statewide.
Yadwadkar further pointed out the global challenge posed by climate change, which exacerbates flood risks, calling for the relocation of structures within flood lines and ensuring the rehabilitation of residents to safer locations.
