Pune: After Four-Year Delay, PMC Gets Full Planning Powers Over 23 Merged Villages
Pune, 12th February 2026: Bringing an end to years of administrative overlap and regulatory confusion, the Maharashtra government has transferred building permission and development planning authority for 23 merged villages to the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC). The formal order, issued on February 11, is expected to streamline urban governance and curb unregulated construction in the rapidly expanding city outskirts.
The villages were incorporated into PMC limits on June 30, 2021, expanding the corporation’s jurisdiction to 518 sq km — the largest among municipal corporations in the state. Despite the merger, however, planning and building approval powers continued to remain with the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA), creating a fragmented administrative structure.
Under the earlier arrangement, PMC was tasked with delivering civic services in the merged areas but lacked authority to regulate construction or enforce planning norms. This disconnect, officials admit, contributed to inconsistent development, allegations of irregularities, and growing dissatisfaction among residents over infrastructure gaps.
The issue gained prominence in September last year when Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar reviewed development conditions in Hadapsar following complaints about alleged builder excesses. During the visit, when PMC officials were asked to halt certain projects, they clarified that regulatory powers rested with PMRDA. Pawar subsequently directed that the planning authority be handed over to PMC.
In parallel, the state government withdrew PMRDA’s development plan for the villages, removing a key procedural hurdle. PMC Commissioner Naval Kishore Ram formally sought the transfer of powers in October. However, the decision was deferred due to the enforcement of the municipal election code of conduct.
With the code now lifted, the Urban Development Department has issued official orders granting PMC full planning and building permission authority in the merged areas.
Action Against Illegal Constructions:
The transfer is expected to significantly strengthen PMC’s enforcement capability. Previously, the civic body was unable to initiate action against unauthorised constructions or encroachments because regulatory jurisdiction lay with PMRDA. Officials say PMC can now directly enforce development control rules and act against illegal structures.
The 23 villages now under PMC’s planning control are:
Mhalunge, Sus, Bavdhan Budruk, Kirkatwadi, Pisoli, Kondhwe Dhawade, Kopre, Nanded, Khadakwasla, Manjari Budruk, Narhe, Holkarwadi, Autade Handewadi, Wadachiwadi, Shewalewadi, Nandoshi, Sanasnagar, Mangadewadi, Bhilarewadi, Nimbalkarwadi, Jambhulwadi, Kolhewadi, and Wagholi.
Officials believe the move will bring greater accountability and ensure planned urban growth in these fast-developing suburban belts.
