PUNE: Residents and civic activists are seeking clarity on future floor space index (FSI) regulations in Pune and the Khadki cantonment areas after the state government’s approval to merge them into the Pune Municipal Corporation limits.
The cantonment boards have proposed a maximum FSI of 1 for the merged areas, which is an increase from the current 0.5 FSI in the cantonment regions but lower than the PMC’s range of 1.1 to 3. The boards stressed that any removal from their jurisdiction should not allow for unrestricted FSI.
PMC Commissioner Naval Kishore Ram stated in an interview with TOI, “FSI is crucial for the development of any municipal body. While the chief minister aims to enhance Pune and Khadki cantonment boards and improve civic services, there has been no discussion or decision regarding FSI in the meeting. Therefore, we cannot provide further comments on the matter at this time.”
Regarding the Old Grant Bungalows (OGBs), Ram mentioned, “We will explore the specifics of these properties in the upcoming days. I will personally visit the PCB and KCB areas, and if needed, our officials will conduct preliminary surveys to understand the situation on the ground.”
On the merger of cantonment assets, Ram clarified, “We are clear on this issue. We will merge as is.”
Sachin Mathurawala, the only nominated member from the PCB, expressed to TOI, “There remains a lack of clarity surrounding FSI and properties linked to old grants. This is crucial for public interest as it will shape the future development of cantonment areas.”
C. Ravindra, principal director (defence estates), Southern Command, who oversees 19 cantonments, did not respond to TOI’s outreach.
A senior official from the Directorate General of Defence Estates, who attended the meeting, mentioned, “We have submitted our proposals to the state government, specifically addressing FSI and local military security concerns. We anticipate written feedback from the government following Friday’s meeting, which we will forward to the ministry for a final decision.”
Residents argue that FSI limitations are a major hindrance to the development of cantonment areas. Activist Rajabhau Chavan stated, “We should have an FSI comparable to that of the PMC. There should be no restrictions on it.”
A trader from MG Road, operating for over thirty years, remarked, “Cantonment authorities have ignored community issues for the last decade.”
Another businessman on MG Road voiced, “The cantonment’s gardens are in disrepair, roads are full of potholes, health services are inadequate, garbage disposal is poor, and the overall development of Pune cantonment has deteriorated. The merger is essential for us.”
Some long-time residents lamented the potential loss of the unique identity of the cantonment. Col. Vinay Dalvi (retd), who served in the Southern Command, remarked, “The Pune and Khadki cantonment boards are among the oldest military garrisons in the country, with each corner rich in historical significance. They have witnessed numerous military actions and decisions. The houses, culture, and lifestyle here are distinct from the rest of the city. All of this is likely to fade into history after the merger.”
