Pune Metropolitan Region Development Plan Scrapped, CM Fadnavis Orders Fresh Draft
Pune Metropolitan Region Development Plan Scrapped: CM Fadnavis Orders Fresh Draft
Mrudula Narale
Pune: In a recent move, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has scrapped the draft development plan (DP) prepared by the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA). This expansive 6,000 square kilometers plan, covering Pune, Pimpri-Chinchwad, and surrounding areas, has faced several legal disputes and procedural delays, forcing the authorities to restart the entire planning process from scratch.
The much anticipated plan by people residing in the region was created in 2015 to ensure sustainable urban growth in the Pune Metropolitan Region. The plan was brought to the public as a draft DP in August 2021. However, the plan quickly met strong opposition, with nearly 65000 citizens and stakeholders raising concerns. After multiple public hearings, the matter went to the Bombay High Court, which imposed a stay in October 2022, halting further progress.
Due to ongoing legal deadlock, the state government has decided to withdraw the draft completely. Senior officials confirmed that PMRDA has been instructed to notify the High Court about the cancellation, clearing the path for the resolution of pending petitions.
Back to Square One
Moving forward, the PMRDA will work on drafting a new, revised blueprint for the region. This updated plan will be submitted to the state government for approval. While the core vision of the development plan remains unchanged, several key modifications are anticipated. These include key infrastructure-based revisions, including road widths, especially 18-meter corridors, and adjustments to land reservations.
A senior PMRDA official shared, “The core structure of the plan will remain, but we will address the contentious issues that led to legal challenges, such as reservations and road network realignment.”
The announcement has elicited mixed reactions. Urban planners have welcomed the decision for a fresh start, while residents and developers are concerned about delays. Infrastructure projects, including transportation and housing developments, are now faced with extended uncertainty as the PMRDA begins the process of redrafting the plan.
The cancellation highlights the complexities of balancing rapid urbanization with sustainable planning in one of Maharashtra’s fastest-growing regions. As the PMRDA moves forward, all eyes are on how the revised development plan will shape Pune’s future growth.
