Pune: PMRDA Assures Continuation of Town Planning Schemes Despite DP Cancellation

Pune, 14th April 2025: The Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) has confirmed that six proposed Town Planning (TP) schemes will move forward as planned, despite the recent cancellation of the draft Development Plan (DP) for the region.

Senior PMRDA officials clarified that the state’s urban development department has communicated its support for continuing with these projects. “We have been assured that the cancellation of the draft DP will not impact the TP schemes. We are waiting for the final green light from the government to begin implementation,” said a senior official on Friday.

Among the six projects, the Maan-Mhalunge TP scheme — revised and resubmitted after addressing floodline concerns — remains a key focus. Spanning over 700 acres, this project was earlier promoted as a pilot model for planned urban growth. PMRDA officials emphasized that landowners who have consented to the project will not be adversely affected.

“The state government has indicated it will approve all six TP schemes soon. There’s no cause for concern among those who have willingly offered their land,” the official added.

However, not all stakeholders share this confidence. Nilesh Padale, a resident of Mhalunge, said he had committed four acres for the project back in 2018. “It’s been seven years, and we’re still waiting for progress. The scheme was initially cleared, but resubmitted due to floodline issues. It’s still pending approval,” he said.

Of the total land earmarked for the project, around 600 acres fall in Mhalunge and 100 acres in Maan. Nearly 40% of the landowners are reportedly unhappy with the lack of clarity and delays, which have left them unable to develop or sell their properties.

While the official nod from the government is awaited, the PMRDA has reiterated its intent to move swiftly once approval is secured, hoping to regain the trust of affected landowners and advance planned urban development across the metropolitan region.