Army Begins Resumption of 12 Old Grant Bungalows in Pune Cantonment
Camp, 9th October 2025: Army authorities in Pune have launched the process to reclaim 12 old grant bungalows (OGBs) within the Pune Cantonment, aiming to safeguard defence land from private encroachment and meet future operational requirements.
The Dakshin Maharashtra and Goa Sub Area (DMGSA), acting as the Local Military Authority (LMA), has started the formal procedure to resume these bungalows located under Pune Cantonment Board (PCB) jurisdiction. Officials said the move is necessary because several prime defence properties across the cantonment are either vacant or in a state of neglect, with some attracting interest from private buyers.
“There is a growing concern that certain holders of Occupancy Rights might try to sell or transfer these high-value properties to private parties,” said a senior Army officer. “Given the operational needs of military units, it is vital to secure sufficient land parcels near key command areas.”
The resumption process, which allows the government to reclaim land and any structures built upon it, is intended to prevent misuse and ensure defence land remains under Army control. Many of the targeted bungalows, situated in prominent cantonment neighbourhoods, have been unoccupied for years and are now dilapidated.
Defence officials noted that once reclaimed, the bungalows may be repurposed for operational or institutional use in line with long-term infrastructure plans. “This is a priority not just in Pune but across other cantonments under our command,” the officer added.
Highlighting the challenges involved, the officer said, “Resuming these properties is extremely complex and time-consuming. Some legal cases have dragged on for over 50 years.” The last major resumption of bungalows in Pune Cantonment occurred in 1971. “Since then, prolonged legal battles prevented further takeovers. Considering these challenges and ground realities, the Command has now decided to act,” he explained.
Proposals for resumption or lease cancellation are sent to the Ministry of
Defence for approval. Defence Estates officials revealed that a well-established system has enabled unauthorised transfers of defence land in various cantonments, including Pune.
In 2024, the then Director of Defence Estates (Southern Command) wrote to the Inspector General of Registration (IGR) urging action against illegal transfers of defence properties. “We have observed with serious concern that many bungalows and house properties on defence land have been sold or transferred to private individuals and builders without approval from the competent authority,” the letter stated.
It emphasized that no old grant bungalow or defence land property can be transferred or sold without prior central government approval.
