IndustryLatest Stories

Pune PMC Issues Demolition Guidelines for Old Properties

PUNE: The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has issued new directives for developers regarding the safe demolition of properties slated for redevelopment. As per the PMC’s recently released guidelines, developers are required to notify both the fire brigade and adjacent property owners during the demolition of older structures. If there’s a risk of damage to neighboring properties, those premises must be vacated. “New building permissions are contingent upon strict adherence to the PMC’s regulations for safe and secure demolitions. Developers must submit photographic evidence of compliance,” stated Rajesh Bankar, a senior official in the PMC’s building permission department. In addition to…

Latest StoriesResidential

Citizens Demand End to Pune’s Tax Defaulter Amnesty Scheme

PUNE: Various citizen groups are calling for the cancellation of the proposed amnesty scheme designed for property tax defaulters, arguing that earlier implementations have proven ineffective. The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) initiated this amnesty scheme for the 2020-2021 fiscal year, intending to offer tax defaulters discounts upon settling their dues. The scheme was later reintroduced for the 2021-2022 fiscal year. Vivek Velankar from Sajag Nagrik Manch, a citizens’ organization, stated, “The recurring launch of such schemes sends the wrong message to responsible taxpayers. Many who utilized the benefits ended up defaulting on taxes again, resulting in a revenue loss for…

IndustryLatest Stories

Pune: Cluster Redevelopment of Wadas Faces Policy and Resident Hurdles

Representative image PUNE: Nearly eight years after its proposal, progress on the cluster development initiative aimed at redeveloping aging wadas and deteriorating buildings in the city has been minimal, according to data from the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC). The topic has resurfaced due to opposition from residents of Lokmanyanagar, a neighborhood with 52 housing societies and over 800 flats. Many buildings, built in the 1960s, are facing issues like cracked walls, irregular water supply, and inadequate drainage systems. Kasba Peth MLA Hemant Rasane commented, “Many properties are suffering due to a lack of response to cluster development. We should explore…

Latest StoriesRegulatory

Two Pune Officials Suspended for Ignoring Illegal Builds

PUNE: The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has suspended two officials from the TDR department for allegedly allowing the construction of two unauthorized floors at a property in Baner. Municipal Commissioner Naval Kishore Ram took disciplinary action against junior engineer Shubhangi Tarukmare and deputy engineer Sandeep Misal under section 56(2)(F) of the Maharashtra Municipal Corporations Act, pending a departmental inquiry. As per the order, the construction of the sixth and seventh floors was proposed through the additional use of TDR, exceeding the approved plan. However, construction on the sixth floor has already been completed, and work on the seventh floor is…

InfrastructureLatest Stories

Maharashtra Approves Pune Civic Body’s Draft Plan for Merged Areas

PUNE: Nearly eight years after its declaration, the draft development plan for the merged areas under Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has been approved by the state government. The notification, published on Friday, invites public suggestions and objections for the next 60 days. Civic officials stated that under Section 23(1) of the Maharashtra Regional and Town Planning Act, 1966, PMC expressed its intention to prepare a draft development plan on June 28, 2018. The proposal to merge 34 villages was ratified by PMC in 2013-14, with eleven areas incorporated into its jurisdiction in 2017. Among these, nine were partially merged, while…

InfrastructureLatest Stories

Pune: PMRDA Halts Two Wagholi Projects Over Drainage Problems

File photo PUNE: A stop-work order from the Pune Metropolitan Regional Development Authority (PMRDA) has provided some relief to residents of Wagholi’s internal Baif Road, who have struggled with sewage around their homes for nearly two years. The order, which took effect on October 9, halts two construction projects in the area and demands that builders submit an alternative development plan within 60 days. This plan must demonstrate a viable strategy for managing future drainage and sewage generated by these buildings. The directive followed several meetings between PMRDA officials, Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) engineers, builders, and local residents in recent…

InfrastructureLatest Stories

East Pune Residents Call for Improved Infrastructure

Representative Image PUNE: Residents from eastern Pune areas—Wadgaon Sheri, Wagholi, Lohegaon, and Dhanori—gathered outside the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) building on Tuesday to voice their demands for better infrastructure. They approached civic chief Naval Kishore Ram, highlighting years of inadequate facilities that have hindered their daily lives. The community requested a consistent water supply, completion of unfinished roads, enhancements to the drainage system, and improved healthcare services. They also called for the establishment of parks, installation of streetlights, and approval of local development plans. Frustration over civic negligence was palpable among the protesters. “We pay taxes like everyone else, yet…

InfrastructureLatest Stories

Pune: Undri Blaze Fire Safety System Audit & Maintenance

PUNE: Chief Fire Officer of Pune Municipal Corporation, Devendra Potphode, announced an investigation into the failure of firefighting equipment in the Undri high-rise, following a tragic incident that resulted in a teenager’s death and injuries to eight others during a fire. Potphode emphasized that society managements are required to conduct fire safety audits with licensed agencies at least twice a year. If they fail to do so, they bear the responsibility for any accidents. “As stipulated in Section 3 of the Fire Act, it is the owner’s or occupier’s duty to ensure the firefighting system is operational 24/7. Residents should…

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Pune Deputy CM Orders Stop-Work Notices to Non-Compliant Builders

PUNE: On Sunday, Deputy Chief Minister and Pune’s guardian minister Ajit Pawar emphasized the need for authorities to contemplate issuing stop-work notices to builders who disregard civic regulations. This statement was made during a review visit to Hadapsar constituency, where he communicated with officials from the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) and local residents. In response to citizen complaints regarding poor facilities, subpar road infrastructure, and water shortages in the area, Pawar stated, “Builders need to improve their practices and provide necessary amenities. Authorities must take decisive action against those who act unprofessionally. If building codes are not adhered to, stop-work…

IndustryLatest Stories

Maharashtra to Set Discounted Property Tax Rate This Week

PUNE: The state government and Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) officials are set to meet on Wednesday to finalize the future approach regarding property tax implementation at discounted rates in 32 merged areas. Residents from these merged areas are requesting that the state impose property taxes at reduced rates, arguing that the PMC has levied heavy taxes following the integration of these regions into municipal limits. Last year, the state government directed the PMC to levy “twice the property tax rate charged by the grampanchayat before the merger,” in response to citizen demands. However, PMC officials stated they could not comply…