Pune: PCMC Commissioner Shekhar Singh Addresses Concerns Amidst Allegations of Favoritism in Wakad TDR Case

Varad Bhatkhande

Pimpri, 29th December 2023: Amidst recent allegations of corruption in the Wakad land development deal, Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) Commissioner Shekhar Singh has responded to the controversy, shedding light on the Transferable Development Right (TDR) case. The TDR, granted for the development of reserved land in Wakad, has been under scrutiny, with opposition claims of rule-bending and favouritism.

The controversy, dating back to December 15, 2023, was ignited by Opposition Leader Vijay Wadettiwar’s accusations of irregularities in a land development deal involving PCMC and builder Aaditya Javadekar. Despite PCMC’s consistent denial of wrongdoing, concerns have lingered, prompting a closer examination of the TDR case.

Commissioner Shekhar Singh, breaking his silence on the matter, assured a thorough investigation into objections raised concerning the Wakad TDR case. He emphasized that if any errors are discovered, swift corrective action will be taken, including the withdrawal of the decision.

The TDR was issued for reservation number 4/38 in PCMC’s development plan at Bhumkar Chowk, Wakad, earmarked for a Truck Terminus and PMPML Depot. The proposed project envisions a 21-storey eco-friendly building on the two-and-a-half-acre plot, incorporating a bus depot, charging stations, PMPML divisional office, swimming pool, and canteen on the ground floor.

In the context of the decision, Aditya Javadekar, the developer, stated, “The decision has been taken within the framework of the Act as per the Unified Development Control and Promotion Regulations (UDCPR). Nothing illegal happened. Despite the bus depot, a commercial building is to be constructed. We don’t want to do anything wrong. Never did wrong. We will proceed only if the administration says so.”

PCMC reiterated its commitment to legality and transparency, defending the project’s approval process as compliant with legal requirements. The construction cost per square meter, determined by the Unified Development Control and Promotion Regulations (UDCPR), was specified at Rs. 65,080 due to the land’s location along the highway. The corporation highlighted the post-construction benefits, including free availability of land and an annual rent of Rs. 60 crore.