Pune: Rs 1,000 Crore Amenity Land in Mohammadwadi–Undri Under Scanner as Residents Allege Push for Private Leasing

Mohammadwadi, 8th March 2026: Public amenity plots in the rapidly developing NIBM Annexe–Mohammadwadi and Undri areas have come under scrutiny after residents and citizen groups raised concerns over the possible leasing of these spaces to private entities under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.

According to residents, more than 20 amenity plots in the area — collectively estimated by citizen groups to be worth over ₹1,000 crore — may be considered for allocation or leasing. These plots are designated under development plans for public amenities such as gardens, playgrounds, educational facilities, recreation areas and other community infrastructure.

However, several housing societies and local forums have expressed apprehension that the plots could be leased to private operators, which they believe may lead to the commercialisation of land intended for public use.

Residents highlight unresolved civic issues

Residents from housing societies including Elena Society, Ganga Kingston, Gemini, Kingston Atlantis and other residential complexes in the NIBM Annexe–Mohammadwadi area said several basic civic issues continue to affect the locality.

They cited recurring water shortages, periodic power outages, dusty and poorly maintained roads, lack of footpaths and the absence of public gardens or recreational spaces. Residents said these issues persist despite significant real estate development in the region over the past two decades.

According to citizen groups, while these concerns remain unresolved, attention is now being directed toward identifying amenity plots that could potentially be leased under PPP arrangements.

Amenity plots highlighted by residents

Residents have shared details of some amenity plots that they say have recently become a matter of concern.

These include a plot near Imperial Housing Society in Mohammadwadi (Survey No. 38, 2B + 3A/2 and 2B + 3A/3) with a total area of about 1,462.73 square metres.

Another plot near Gemini Housing Society in Mohammadwadi (Survey No. 36, Hissa No. 4 + 5 A + B/6) has an area of about 134,660 square metres.

A third location near Ganga Kingston Housing Society (Survey No. 39, Hissa No. 13B–14/1, 13B & 14/2, 13B & 14/3, 13B & 14/4) includes land measuring about 31 R and 2,594 square metres.

Residents said these and several other plots were reserved for community amenities under development plans and should continue to serve public purposes.

Activists call for protection of public spaces

Civic activist Shashikant Mehendale said that amenity spaces should be developed for public benefit rather than treated as potential revenue sources.

He said such land could be used for urban parks, green spaces and public health facilities that would benefit residents in the long term. Mehendale also emphasised the importance of increasing green cover and public open spaces in cities facing environmental and climate-related challenges.

Concerns raised over PPP model

NIBM Annexe resident Minoo Irani expressed concern that public land may gradually be transferred to private control under the PPP model. She said residents fear that gardens, playgrounds and other reserved plots may eventually be used for projects that limit public access.

Irani also noted that the city requires more open spaces and green areas, particularly in rapidly growing residential zones.

Alleged intimidation incident reported

Residents of Ganga Kingston Housing Society in Mohammadwadi reported an incident on February 19, 2026, in which four unidentified individuals allegedly arrived outside the society gate and questioned residents about their presence near an adjacent amenity plot.

According to residents, one of the individuals claimed to be a corporator and asked that the society’s office bearers be called outside.

The plot, which is currently covered with trees, has reportedly been maintained by residents who say they have planted more than 200 trees there over the years to protect the space from encroachment.

Daljeet Goraya, Secretary of Ganga Kingston Housing Society, said the society has previously raised concerns with police and civic authorities regarding attempts to interfere with the land.

He said residents intend to continue protecting the plot and ensuring that it remains available for community use.

Transparency concerns raised

Social activist Jaymala Dhankikar said decisions related to amenity plots should involve public consultation, especially when they affect large residential communities.

She said that if proposals involving public land are pursued without transparent discussion with residents, it may weaken public trust in governance.

Citizen groups demand consultation

The Mohammadwadi Undri Residents Welfare Development Foundation (MURWDF) and several housing societies have submitted a representation to the Pune Municipal Commissioner seeking greater transparency in decisions related to amenity spaces.

Among their demands are mandatory consultations with neighbouring housing societies, written No Objection Certificates (NOCs) before leasing or allocating plots, and recognition of the role of local communities in proposing uses for such land.

They have also called for public hearings before any changes in land use and requested that decisions not be taken unilaterally by corporator-led committees.

Call for preservation of green spaces

Sunil Aiyer, Director of MURWDF, said the Mohammadwadi and Undri areas have seen significant construction activity over the past two decades but still lack adequate parks, gardens and recreational spaces.

He said amenity plots should primarily serve the needs of residents, particularly children, senior citizens and the wider community.

Some residents have also raised concerns about alleged illegal activities or encroachments around public spaces, claiming that certain areas are gradually being occupied by informal vendors or temporary structures.

Demand for more parks and open spaces

Raj Singh, a resident of Raheja Premiere, said the region has witnessed a reduction in green cover over the years. He suggested that remaining amenity plots should be developed as parks and gardens to improve environmental conditions and quality of life.

Another resident, Samuel Wilkinson, said there should be greater accountability and transparency in decisions regarding the use of public land. He emphasised the need for strict oversight to ensure that amenity plots are used in the public interest.

Residents question planning of existing projects

Residents also pointed out that some amenity spaces in the area have previously been converted into facilities such as vegetable markets but remain poorly maintained or underutilised. According to citizens, such cases highlight the need for better planning and management of public infrastructure.

Residents plan further civic action

Residents across Mohammadwadi, NIBM Annexe and Undri said that although the area has witnessed significant real estate growth and commands high property values, it continues to face shortages of parks, open spaces and civic infrastructure.

Citizen groups said they are considering civic engagement initiatives, public awareness campaigns and possible legal action to ensure that amenity plots remain available for community use.

They emphasised that decisions regarding these spaces should be taken through transparent processes and with the involvement of local residents to safeguard long-term public interests.