Pune: Bombay High Court Issues Notice To PMC For Incomplete 36 Meter Wide Baner-Pashan Link Road

Pune, 17th November 2021: The Bombay High Court has issued notice to the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) in the matter of incomplete construction of 36 meters wide Baner Pashan Link Road. 

Baner Pashan Link Road Welfare Trust (BPLRW Trust) has moved the court through Adv. Satya Muley challenging the inaction on part of the PMC.

The PIL was heard by the bench headed by Chief Justice Dipankar Datta on 15.11.2021 and issued a notice to the Pune Municipal Corporation, the District Collector, the Urban Development Department and the Town Planning and Valuation Department. The respondents have been directed to file their response by 10.01.2022.

BACKGROUND OVER 250,000 RESIDENTS DIRECTLY AFFECTED: The connectivity from Aundh, Baner, Balewadi to Pashan neighbourhoods of Pune from West and South Pune, National Highway to these suburbs is heavily dependent on a proposed DP road which is in an incomplete state even after 30 years of its sanctioning. The Link Road was originally sanctioned in the Development plan approved in 1992. 

The road has been partially constructed in the year 2014 and is existing from both ends but two small stretches collectively of 200 meters are remaining incomplete rendering the entire 1.2 Km long road inutile. There are over 800 Housing societies in the region of Aundh Baner Pashan Balewadi with over 250,000 residents who are directly affected due to the incomplete Baner Pashan Link Road.

Apart from them, the population of Pune, in general, are affected also. The existing alternative is a narrow 7 meter wide road which is in a dangerous condition, with incomplete footpaths, and no possibility of widening due to existing structures. 

COMPLETE INACTION ON PART OF PMC

Even after several representations, meetings with the authorities there is complete inaction on part of Pune Municipal Corporation since past 8 years. PMC has cited difficulty in acquiring open and vacant land from some private owners. The residents have left no stone unturned. They have made several representations since 2014 to the PMC Commissioners and several elected representatives. They have even conducted lawful silent protests on several occasions, sans any positive result. The PMC authorities have remained non-committal as to when the road will be completed. 

QUESTION OF FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS 

Speaking on behalf of petitioners Adv. Satya Muley stated that civic amenities like roads etc are part of fundamental rights enshrined in the Constitution of India. Without proper roads and streets, there is hindrance for the population at large to exploit their full potential of life. It is a pity that the residents of Pune have been forced to move the High Court to enforce their basic rights. The PIL was filed in September 2021. 

ADVT