Chinchwad Election Campaign: Kalate Vows Ownership Rights for Houses in Blue Line Zones

Pimpri Chinchwad, 14th November 2024: Rahul Kalate, the Mahavikas Aghadi candidate from the Chinchwad constituency, has vowed to address the long-standing issue of unauthorized constructions in the Chinchwad area if elected. Speaking to voters on Wednesday in Bijli Nagar, Chinchwad, Rahatani, Thergaon, and Wakad, Kalate assured that his top priority would be to provide ownership rights to the lakhs of houses affected by the blue line issue and unauthorized constructions. This has been a major concern for local residents for over 15 years, with previous election promises yet to bring tangible results.

Kalate highlighted the scale of the problem, stating that unauthorized constructions have soared to nearly 200,000. While the state government introduced a policy to regularize these constructions, Kalate criticized it as being overly complicated and burdensome, leaving many homeowners stuck in legal limbo. He emphasized that even in areas where buildings have been transferred from the development authority to the Municipal Corporation, ownership still remains out of reach for many residents.

“I will take the initiative to ensure these houses are properly registered in the names of the rightful owners,” Kalate said, assuring voters that he would work to resolve the issue for areas such as Walhekarwadi, Chinchwad, Ravet, Kalewadi, Rahatni, and Wakad.

Kalate also called attention to the unresolved issue of unauthorized constructions within municipal premises. Previous leaders had promised to regularize these buildings with 99-year leases, but the promises remain unfulfilled. He noted that while Municipal Development Control Rules apply to these constructions, they have yet to be granted freehold status. Kalate also condemned the ongoing harassment of homeowners along the river, whose properties are being targeted with notices. He promised to prioritize the regularization of these houses as well.

Addressing the concerns of farmers, Kalate emphasized the need for the 12.5 percent refund policy, ensuring compensation for landowners whose properties were acquired by the authorities. He criticized the transfer of thousands of acres of vacant land to the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA), calling it a great injustice to the citizens. Kalate insisted that these lands, provided by local farmers at concessional rates, should be used exclusively for the development of the city.

“Resolving these issues and ensuring justice for homeowners and farmers will be my top priority if given the opportunity to serve,” Kalate concluded.