Pune: Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar Halts Wakad TDR Case Amid Doubts and Allegations
Moshi, 6th January 2024: In a significant development, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has announced the suspension of proceedings in the Transferable Development Rights (TDR) case in Wakad, citing uncertainties and suspicions surrounding the matter.
Reservation No. 4/38, earmarked for a Truck Terminus, and 4/38 (A), allocated for a PMPML Depot in the Municipal Development Plan at Wakad, Bhumkar Chowk, have become the focal point of controversy. An agreement was forged between plot owner Vilas Javadekar Infinity Pvt Ltd and the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) on November 6, 2023. The agreement involved the transfer of 6,93,448 square meters of development rights to the PCMC in exchange for the construction of 87,318 square meters.
The construction department greenlit the project, approving a construction cost of ₹658.26 crore for an area spanning 78,318 square meters. Notably, the approved construction cost of ₹65,080 per square meter raised concerns as it significantly exceeded the ready calculator rate of ₹26,620 per square meter for the year 2023-24. The budget for the project was inflated to ₹38,640 per square meter, resulting in a substantial increase in transferred development rights. The developer, initially expected to receive TDR worth ₹665 crore, is now set to gain an additional ₹1,366 crore.
Leader of Opposition Vijay Wadettiwar levelled allegations, claiming that PCMC officials profited ₹671 crores from the development. These accusations added fuel to the controversy, prompting Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar to address the matter.
Deputy Chief Minister Pawar asserted the government’s right to intervene when potential damage to the city is identified, especially when officers appointed by the Maharashtra state government are involved. Discussions with Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Chief Minister Eknath Shinde are scheduled for Monday in light of complaints received.
Chief Secretary Nitin Kareer and Asim Gupta are currently investigating the case, and the TDR process has been temporarily suspended due to doubts arising from information obtained from multiple sources.
