PCMC Awaits Defence Nod to Publish Final Red Zone Map for Dehu Road–Dighi; Residents Remain in Limbo

PCMC awaits Ministry of Defence approval to publish revised red-zone boundaries around Dehu Road and Dighi, leaving thousands uncertain about property rights.

Pune, 26 November 2025:The Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) is still awaiting final approval from the Defence Ministry before it can publish the revised red-zone map for areas surrounding the Dehu Road Ammunition Depot and the Dighi Magazine Depot. The updated map was completed after a detailed satellite-based survey earlier this year and was handed over to PCMC for official notification. However, despite the technical work being finished, the civic body cannot release the boundaries publicly until the Defence authorities give formal consent. Officials from the Urban Planning Department have stated that the map will be immediately notified once the mandatory approval arrives.

For thousands of residents in suburbs such as Nigdi, Talwade, Ravet, Kivale, Chikhli, Bhosari, Charholi, Dudulgaon, and Bopkhel, the delay has created significant uncertainty. Builders, homebuyers, and existing property owners are all in limbo, with permissions stalled and real estate decisions left hanging. Many housing projects, redevelopment proposals, and plot sales remain paused because it is still unclear whether specific locations fall inside or outside the restricted belt. The revised red-zone limits mark a radius of 2,000 metres from the Dehu Road Ammunition Depot’s boundary and 1,145 metres from the Dighi Magazine Depot. Construction norms within these zones are governed by strict defence regulations, meaning that any ambiguity directly affects legal approvals, sale deeds, and market valuations.

Residents and local representatives have been vocal about the need for clarity. They argue that without officially declared boundaries, it is impossible to determine which properties are permissible for construction, which layouts are safe for investment, and which existing buildings may face restrictions. Many fear that prolonged ambiguity could lead to disputes or financial losses, especially for those who purchased plots years ago. Property owners outside the restricted belt say that a formal map would finally allow them to move forward with long-pending construction plans and documentation.

The civic body has already paid over a crore rupees for the extensive red-zone survey, which was conducted after earlier boundary maps were found to be outdated and imprecise. The new map incorporates high-resolution imagery, improved land demarcation, and updated defence boundary coordinates. Officials emphasise that the purpose of the red-zone revision is not just regulatory but also aimed at preventing unauthorized construction near sensitive defence establishments while offering transparency to legitimate residents.

Urban planners note that clear demarcation is essential for balanced urban development. Without knowing which lands are buildable and which are restricted, infrastructure planning, road expansion, and new housing schemes remain stalled. Real-estate analysts also point out that the uncertainty has slowed the property market in the affected belts. Some areas have experienced a significant drop in demand, while others are witnessing speculative confusion. Developers say that the delay impacts not just homebuyers but the broader economic ecosystem surrounding construction, labour, and local investment.

The Defence Ministry’s clearance is a statutory requirement, and civic officials maintain that they are following all procedural norms. However, residents insist that the process must be expedited, as the issue has dragged on for years due to earlier errors, revisions, and repeated surveys. They believe that only after the final map is officially published will transparency, legal stability, and planned development truly begin.

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