Pune: Election Code Delays Rs 18.5 Crore Redevelopment of Saras Baug Chowpatty

Saras Baug, 6th November 2024: Ten months have passed since the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) administration approved the redevelopment plan for Saras Baug Chowpatty, but the work has yet to move forward. Now, citing the code of conduct for the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly Elections, the administration continues to delay the project.

Saras Baug remains a popular destination for tourists from both within Pune and beyond. On holidays, visitors flock to the pond to visit Shri Siddhivinayak Ganesh Mandir, take their children to Peshwe Energy Park, and enjoy food at the Chowpatty. Additionally, Saras Baug Chowpatty is a popular spot for late-night meals for commuters, students, and employees returning from work. In 2019, the Maharashtra State Government granted special status to Saras Baug Chowpatty, recognising it as a “clean place with good food,” similar to Mumbai’s Chowpatty.

A year and a half ago, the PMC’s Encroachment Department took action after noticing a rise in encroachments at the location and closed several shops. This led to discussions about the redevelopment of Saras Baug Chowpatty. The PMC called for redevelopment plans from architects, and one plan was approved. However, the work was unexpectedly halted, and the previous plan was revised. In December 2023, the new plan was approved by the PMC’s Estimate Committee. Initially, the redevelopment was estimated to cost Rs 8 crore, but the projected expenditure has since increased to Rs 18.5 crore. Despite this, the redevelopment work has not yet begun.

The Encroachment Department had stated that an audiovisual presentation of the project would be made to the PMC commissioner in August, but neither the presentation nor the actual work has started. All necessary procedures were completed before the Code of Conduct for the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly Elections came into effect, meaning there should be no technical barriers to moving forward. However, the PMC administration has cited the code of conduct as the reason for the delay.

The redeveloped Saras Baug Chowpatty will feature 78 shops spread across two floors, with 54 shops on the ground floor and 24 on the first floor. After rehabilitating 54 authorised traders, the remaining shops will be auctioned. The redevelopment will include attractive colours, electric lighting, and special seating arrangements for customers. Additionally, underground parking for 200 vehicles will be provided, with entrances from both sides.

Somnath Bankar, Deputy Commissioner of the PMC Encroachment Department, stated, “The issue regarding the redevelopment of Saras Baug Chowpatty is pending. Currently, the code of conduct is in place, but after it concludes, the next steps will proceed.”