Seven years after the Maharashtra state government granted in-principle approval to the ambitious Mahalunge–Maan town planning (TP) scheme, this flagship project continues to languish without final clearance from the state Urban Development Department (UDD). According to a senior Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) official who spoke to TOI, the much-touted project showcased at the 2019 Magnetic Maharashtra Investor Summit remains stuck in bureaucratic limbo.
Complex Approval Process Causes Delays
The PMRDA has confirmed that while the model scheme remains a high priority, obtaining the final green light has been hampered by a complex web of multiple approvals required at various governmental levels. The scheme is currently under detailed evaluation and is expected to be cleared soon, according to the senior PMRDA official who made this statement on Tuesday.
Election Code Further Postpones Announcement
This significant delay comes despite earlier indications from the UDD that the proposal was nearing final approval. Officials have now revealed that the announcement has been further pushed back due to the model code of conduct currently in force for the ongoing Zilla Parishad and Panchayat Samiti elections across the state.
Technical Hurdles and Modifications Required
While the preliminary plan for the Mahalunge–Maan project received approval in December 2019, technical challenges have significantly impacted the project timeline. Changes in regional flood lines necessitated substantial modifications to the original layout, requiring additional review and approval processes that have contributed to the extended delay.
Project Scope and Beneficiary Details
The comprehensive town planning scheme covers a substantial total area of 250.50 hectares and includes approximately 460 individual plots. Under the current plan, nearly 350 of these plots would be returned to the original landowners, while PMRDA would retain 110 plots specifically designated for essential amenities and open public spaces. The scheme encompasses around 5,800 beneficiaries who stand to gain from this development initiative.
Critical Role in Regional Infrastructure Development
Beyond local development considerations, these town planning schemes play a critical role in the broader infrastructure development of the Pune metropolitan region. They are strategically positioned as the primary revenue generation model for funding the proposed 128-kilometer PMRDA Inner Ring Road project. The authority has planned as many as 26 such schemes along the initial 32-kilometer stretch of the ring road to ensure adequate funding for this major infrastructure undertaking.
Standard TP Process and Current Status
Under the standard town planning process, the state government appoints an arbitrator to conduct detailed hearings with landholders regarding plot allotments and compensation. Once these hearings successfully conclude, the draft scheme is resubmitted to the government for final execution—a crucial stage that the Mahalunge–Maan project has yet to complete despite the seven-year timeline since initial approval.
