Pune: Gunthewari Houses Set to Rise in Bavdhan Khurd After High Court Ruling on Biodiversity Park Reservation

Bavdhan, 16th December 2023: The Bombay High Court, through the directive of Judges G S Patel and Kamal Khata, has paved the way for development, non-agricultural permission, and housing in Gunthewari on a reserved site in Bavdhan Khurd, Pune.

The court’s ruling pertains to Survey No. 23 in Bavdhan Khurd, a site that fell under the municipal limits after the state government’s inclusion of villages in 1997. Prior to formulating the draft development plan for this village, the Municipal Corporation had approved a plan covering 11 lakh 1157 square feet of land at Bavdhan Khurd.

The area was originally categorized as ‘Mountain Head-Mountain Slope’ in the regional plan. However, on December 31, 2002, the Municipal Corporation designated the site as Biodiversity Park (BDP) reservation. Subsequently, on August 5, 2015, the state government granted final approval to this plan.

The landowner, recognizing the committed development status of the land, sought construction permission from the Municipal Corporation. However, the request faced rejection at the Municipal Commissioner’s Office level, leading the landowner to file a petition in the High Court.

After considering arguments from both parties, the court clarified its stance, stating, “We are not mandating immediate construction on the site. However, if the landowner submits an application for permission, it should be accepted, irrespective of the BDP reservation on the land.”

This ruling implies a significant shift in approach, allowing for potential development on the contested site while maintaining a balance between environmental conservation and urban growth. The decision is poised to have lasting implications on land-use policies in the region.