Pune: Illegal Construction In BDP Zone In 23 Merged Villages, NGT Asks For Action Report

Pune, January 13, 2021: The committee formed to observe illegal construction at biodiversity park (BDP) zones in 23 merged villages adjoining to Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) limits, recently visited the villages and the report will be submitted soon.

In 1997, 23 villages merged with PMC area. To prevent illegal construction on hills in this area which is about 976 hectors, PMC made reservation declaring it as Biodiversity Parks in the year 2002. Special zones were made to protect this area.

To prevent construction activity on hills falling under the BDP zone in 23 merged villages adjoining the municipal limits, the state government on August 18, 2018, decided to protect them by giving eight percent transfer of development rights (TDR) as compensation to landowners for acquiring 773 hectares of land falling under the biodiversity park area. It has been two years since the state government had decided to preserve the biodiversity park zone or hills in Pune, however, PMC failed to acquire any land. There is rampant illegal construction underway in the BDP zone.

Recently the National green tribunal (NGT) ordered to submit a report about illegal construction in BDP zones and action that can be taken regarding this. A committee was formed which includes Municipal commissioner, district collector and an officer from Maharashtra pollution control board (MPCB).

“The committee visited the BDP Zones and a report was made regarding the illegal constructions. We are also preparing a report about what action could be taken against the illegal constructions on hills. The report will be submitted to the NGT soon”, said Nitin Shinde, MPCB officer.