Pune: MP Barne Urges Defence Minister to Merge Dehu Road Cantonment with PCMC; Civic Body Cites Constraints
Pimpri, 29th July 2025: Amid growing urbanisation and increasing public demand for better civic amenities, Maval MP Shrirang Barne has urged Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to merge the Dehu Road Cantonment Board with the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC), citing mounting infrastructure challenges and a lack of sufficient financial assistance from the central government.
The Dehu Road cantonment is reportedly struggling to cope with rapid urban expansion and a swelling population. Despite rising demand for water, sanitation, power, and digital services, the board lacks the resources to provide adequate public amenities. MP Barne highlighted that, like Pune and Khadki cantonments, Dehu Road too deserves integration into a larger municipal body that can support sustainable urban development.
“Integration with PCMC will allow Dehu Road residents to access essential services more efficiently,” Barne stated, adding that the area is geographically adjacent to PCMC, and many citizens have already expressed their desire to be included under the municipal corporation’s jurisdiction.
He also revealed that Defence Minister Singh has responded positively, assuring that the inclusion could proceed if the state government formally submits a proposal.
However, the PCMC administration appears reluctant, citing several limitations in a detailed report submitted to the Maharashtra Urban Development Department two years ago.
Key findings from the civic body’s report include:
-High population density: Estimated at over 60,000, with only 34,000 registered voters.
-Red Zone Constraints: Approximately 87% of Dehu Road falls under the defence-related “red zone”, severely limiting development.
-Low revenue generation and high operational costs, particularly in salaries and maintenance.
-Presence of ten slum clusters, adding to the infrastructure burden.
The report concludes that unless the Centre allocates at least ₹50 crore annually to support the transition, merging Dehu Road with PCMC is not feasible.
Why the Merge Matters
-Improved infrastructure and digital services for Dehu Road residents.
-Simplified administration under a single civic authority.
-Potential access to better urban planning and welfare schemes offered by PCMC.
Despite similar cantonments in Maharashtra being successfully merged into nearby municipalities, Dehu Road’s inclusion remains pending, primarily due to PCMC’s reservations and financial concerns.
