Pune: Luxury Hotel in Lonavala Under Fire for Illegal Construction; Tourism License Cancelled

Lonavala, 30th July 2025: A high-end establishment operating as a hotel in Lonavala’s Tungarli area has come under legal scrutiny after it was discovered that the structure, originally approved for residential use, was being used commercially. The hotel, identified as ‘Meritas Aura’, now faces action from both the Lonavala Municipal Council and the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC), which has revoked its tourism license.

The disputed structure, located at property number 51/3/A in Tungarli, had received construction clearance strictly for residential purposes. After the construction was completed, the owners obtained an occupancy certificate and began paying property taxes under the residential category. However, in violation of zoning laws, the premises were later converted into a luxury hotel without any reclassification of land use.

Although local social activist Prakash Porwal had earlier filed a complaint with the Municipal Council, authorities initially failed to respond. Porwal then escalated the matter to the Bombay High Court-appointed expert committee, which oversees the functioning of Lonavala’s civic body. Following the committee’s intervention, the municipal authorities issued three notices to the property owners, directing them to dismantle the illegal modifications. However, no demolition or enforcement has occurred so far.

According to Porwal, this case highlights a larger issue plaguing Lonavala. “Illegal commercial use of residential properties is becoming rampant here. Several hotels and commercial operations are being carried out under residential licenses, while civic officials fail to act,” he said.

He further stated that during a recent High Court hearing, the court had explicitly directed the Lonavala Municipal Council to take firm action against unauthorized constructions. “Even after repeated complaints, license cancellation, and multiple notices, no meaningful steps have been taken against Meritas Aura,” Porwal added.

The issue has reignited concerns over unauthorized commercialization in hill stations like Lonavala, which are already dealing with the ecological and infrastructural pressures of unregulated urban expansion. The current case is being seen as a potential test of the municipal body’s willingness to act decisively.