Kolhapur: Amid concerns over shrinking green cover in the city, the Kolhapur Municipal Corporation’s general body will consider two proposals on June 17 to convert nearly 6.1 hectares of land near the Rankala lake from a no-development green belt into a residential (yellow) zone.
If approved, the move would shift about 61,000 sqm of land, currently classified under agricultural and no-development zone in the second revised development plan, into the residential category, opening it up for construction.
The proposals stem from requests by landowners Digambar Ingavale and Rupa Patil, who sought reclassification of their land, excluding portions reserved for road and drainage. Acting on directions from the government’s under secretary, the civic body’s town planning department has placed a rezoning proposal under section 37(1) of the Maharashtra Regional and Town Planning Act before the general body.
The move has triggered strong objections from environmentalists and citizen groups, who argue that Kolhapur is already facing a steady decline in tree cover and lacks adequate open spaces for public amenities.
They have also questioned the timing, pointing out that the city’s third development plan is currently being drafted. Fast-tracking such rezonings before the new plan, they say, raises concerns over intent and transparency.
Well-known environmentalist Dr Madhukar Bachulkar criticised the proposal, warning of long-term ecological damage. “Tree cover is decreasing in Kolhapur city. Maximum temperature is now crossing the 40°C mark. This proposal is unnecessary and will have long-term disadvantages,” he said.
“KMC should develop a garden here if needed, but it should not be opened for construction under any circumstances,” he added.
Activists say the push to convert green belt land reflects a revenue-driven approach, with little consideration for environmental impact or future urban sustainability.
Repeated attempts to contact KMC officials for their response went unanswered.
