State quashes PMC's resolution to widen 323 6m roads to 9m across Pune areas
Pune: The state urban development department (UDD) on Thursday quashed a resolution approved by the standing committee of Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) to widen 323 six-metre roads in Pune city to nine metres.
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The quashing of the resolution, which met with a backlash, is expected to give relief to many bungalow and housing society owners from across several city areas, including Sahakarnagar, Kothrud, Prabhat Road, Deccan Gymkhana, and Aundh.
These residents had raised concerns over the possible increase in high-rises in narrow lanes fronting their properties, and the resulting pressure on service lines and potential traffic congestion.
TOI had highlighted these concerns in a 20-part series of news reports under its 'Planning Controversy' campaign, following the standing committee's road-widening resolution dated June 9, 2020.
The conversion would have impacted roads measuring around 103km in total.
After the latest development, Rajesh Bankar, a senior official of PMC's building permission department, said, "We have got directives from state govt.
They will be implemented, and blanket widening of roads as approved in the resolution will not be done."
The state's latest directive says that the PMC's "resolution was not passed with due process. So, it is being scrapped as per provisions of the Maharashtra Municipal Corporations Act of 1949".
Former BJP standing committee chairman and corporator Ujjwal Keskar, former BJP corporator Suhas Kulkarni, and Shiv Sena's former corporator Prashant Badhe had moved Bombay High Court in 2021, accusing PMC's standing committee of not following the due legal process as stipulated under section 210 (1) (B) of the Maharashtra Municipal Corporation Act while approving this resolution.
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HC subsequently asked the state UDD to give a hearing to both parties and work out a solution. Accordingly, the state UDD principal secretary KH Govindraj held a joint meeting on April 11 this year with Keskar, Kulkarni, Badhe, then-PMC commissioner Rajendra Bhosale, and city engineer Prashant Waghmare.
On April 28, 2025, the UDD published the minutes of the meeting in which it has asked the PMC to resubmit a proposal recommending the quashing of its earlier standing committee resolution.
Keskar told TOI, "These roads were mainly in the town planning schemes in the suburbs, and their widening would have caused significant harm to middle-class residents."
Kulkarni said, "We want to convey the message that ordinary Pune residents will not tolerate actions taken for the benefit of the wealthy. In the next phase, govt has requested a report from the municipal administration on those who have constructed buildings assuming the roads would be widened to nine metres."
Pune: The state urban development department (UDD) on Thursday quashed a resolution approved by the standing committee of Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) to widen 323 six-metre roads in Pune city to nine metres.
The quashing of the resolution, which met with a backlash, is expected to give relief to many bungalow and housing society owners from across several city areas, including Sahakarnagar, Kothrud, Prabhat Road, Deccan Gymkhana, and Aundh.
These residents had raised concerns over the possible increase in high-rises in narrow lanes fronting their properties, and the resulting pressure on service lines and potential traffic congestion.
TOI had highlighted these concerns in a 20-part series of news reports under its 'Planning Controversy' campaign, following the standing committee's road-widening resolution dated June 9, 2020.
The conversion would have impacted roads measuring around 103km in total.
After the latest development, Rajesh Bankar, a senior official of PMC's building permission department, said, "We have got directives from state govt. They will be implemented, and blanket widening of roads as approved in the resolution will not be done."
The state's latest directive says that the PMC's "resolution was not passed with due process. So, it is being scrapped as per provisions of the Maharashtra Municipal Corporations Act of 1949".
Former BJP standing committee chairman and corporator Ujjwal Keskar, former BJP corporator Suhas Kulkarni, and Shiv Sena's former corporator Prashant Badhe had moved Bombay High Court in 2021, accusing PMC's standing committee of not following the due legal process as stipulated under section 210 (1) (B) of the Maharashtra Municipal Corporation Act while approving this resolution.
HC subsequently asked the state UDD to give a hearing to both parties and work out a solution.
Accordingly, the state UDD principal secretary KH Govindraj held a joint meeting on April 11 this year with Keskar, Kulkarni, Badhe, then-PMC commissioner Rajendra Bhosale, and city engineer Prashant Waghmare.
On April 28, 2025, the UDD published the minutes of the meeting in which it has asked the PMC to resubmit a proposal recommending the quashing of its earlier standing committee resolution.
Keskar told TOI, "These roads were mainly in the town planning schemes in the suburbs, and their widening would have caused significant harm to middle-class residents."
Kulkarni said, "We want to convey the message that ordinary Pune residents will not tolerate actions taken for the benefit of the wealthy. In the next phase, govt has requested a report from the municipal administration on those who have constructed buildings assuming the roads would be widened to nine metres."
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Time of India
21 hours ago
- Time of India
State quashes PMC's resolution to widen 323 6m roads to 9m across Pune areas
Pune: The state urban development department (UDD) on Thursday quashed a resolution approved by the standing committee of Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) to widen 323 six-metre roads in Pune city to nine metres. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The quashing of the resolution, which met with a backlash, is expected to give relief to many bungalow and housing society owners from across several city areas, including Sahakarnagar, Kothrud, Prabhat Road, Deccan Gymkhana, and Aundh. These residents had raised concerns over the possible increase in high-rises in narrow lanes fronting their properties, and the resulting pressure on service lines and potential traffic congestion. TOI had highlighted these concerns in a 20-part series of news reports under its 'Planning Controversy' campaign, following the standing committee's road-widening resolution dated June 9, 2020. The conversion would have impacted roads measuring around 103km in total. After the latest development, Rajesh Bankar, a senior official of PMC's building permission department, said, "We have got directives from state govt. They will be implemented, and blanket widening of roads as approved in the resolution will not be done." The state's latest directive says that the PMC's "resolution was not passed with due process. So, it is being scrapped as per provisions of the Maharashtra Municipal Corporations Act of 1949". Former BJP standing committee chairman and corporator Ujjwal Keskar, former BJP corporator Suhas Kulkarni, and Shiv Sena's former corporator Prashant Badhe had moved Bombay High Court in 2021, accusing PMC's standing committee of not following the due legal process as stipulated under section 210 (1) (B) of the Maharashtra Municipal Corporation Act while approving this resolution. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now HC subsequently asked the state UDD to give a hearing to both parties and work out a solution. Accordingly, the state UDD principal secretary KH Govindraj held a joint meeting on April 11 this year with Keskar, Kulkarni, Badhe, then-PMC commissioner Rajendra Bhosale, and city engineer Prashant Waghmare. On April 28, 2025, the UDD published the minutes of the meeting in which it has asked the PMC to resubmit a proposal recommending the quashing of its earlier standing committee resolution. Keskar told TOI, "These roads were mainly in the town planning schemes in the suburbs, and their widening would have caused significant harm to middle-class residents." Kulkarni said, "We want to convey the message that ordinary Pune residents will not tolerate actions taken for the benefit of the wealthy. In the next phase, govt has requested a report from the municipal administration on those who have constructed buildings assuming the roads would be widened to nine metres." Pune: The state urban development department (UDD) on Thursday quashed a resolution approved by the standing committee of Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) to widen 323 six-metre roads in Pune city to nine metres. The quashing of the resolution, which met with a backlash, is expected to give relief to many bungalow and housing society owners from across several city areas, including Sahakarnagar, Kothrud, Prabhat Road, Deccan Gymkhana, and Aundh. These residents had raised concerns over the possible increase in high-rises in narrow lanes fronting their properties, and the resulting pressure on service lines and potential traffic congestion. TOI had highlighted these concerns in a 20-part series of news reports under its 'Planning Controversy' campaign, following the standing committee's road-widening resolution dated June 9, 2020. The conversion would have impacted roads measuring around 103km in total. After the latest development, Rajesh Bankar, a senior official of PMC's building permission department, said, "We have got directives from state govt. They will be implemented, and blanket widening of roads as approved in the resolution will not be done." The state's latest directive says that the PMC's "resolution was not passed with due process. So, it is being scrapped as per provisions of the Maharashtra Municipal Corporations Act of 1949". Former BJP standing committee chairman and corporator Ujjwal Keskar, former BJP corporator Suhas Kulkarni, and Shiv Sena's former corporator Prashant Badhe had moved Bombay High Court in 2021, accusing PMC's standing committee of not following the due legal process as stipulated under section 210 (1) (B) of the Maharashtra Municipal Corporation Act while approving this resolution. HC subsequently asked the state UDD to give a hearing to both parties and work out a solution. Accordingly, the state UDD principal secretary KH Govindraj held a joint meeting on April 11 this year with Keskar, Kulkarni, Badhe, then-PMC commissioner Rajendra Bhosale, and city engineer Prashant Waghmare. On April 28, 2025, the UDD published the minutes of the meeting in which it has asked the PMC to resubmit a proposal recommending the quashing of its earlier standing committee resolution. Keskar told TOI, "These roads were mainly in the town planning schemes in the suburbs, and their widening would have caused significant harm to middle-class residents." Kulkarni said, "We want to convey the message that ordinary Pune residents will not tolerate actions taken for the benefit of the wealthy. In the next phase, govt has requested a report from the municipal administration on those who have constructed buildings assuming the roads would be widened to nine metres."
Hindustan Times
2 days ago
- Hindustan Times
Minister supports restoration, conservation of Pune's Shaniwar Wada
Union minister for tourism and culture Gajendra Singh Shekhawat on Thursday visited the historic Shaniwar Wada and assured support for its conservation, despite the stringent regulations governing archaeological monuments. During his visit, the minister toured the 18th-century fort and launched a multilingual audio guide to enhance visitor experience. The initiative was facilitated by Pune MP Medha Kulkarni, who had invited the minister to the heritage site. 'Shaniwar Wada is not just a structure—it represents the rich history of India and Maharashtra,' Shekhawat said. 'After Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the Peshwas ruled from here and expanded the Maratha Empire.' He said a proposal for restoration and conservation of the site has already been submitted by Kulkarni and the local administration. 'The government is positive about this. We are also considering developing better facilities for tourists, as the site receives significant footfall,' he said. However, the minister noted the limitations imposed by existing laws. 'The archaeological department has very strict rules when it comes to protected heritage sites. While that cannot be overlooked, we will try to find a middle path that allows for conservation and development without violating any norms.' Kulkarni emphasized the need to raise awareness about Pune's historical significance. 'Shaniwar Wada played a crucial role in Indian history. To educate tourists about Peshwa Bajirao and other key figures, we are proposing construction of a replica of the original wada. This will help visitors better understand the site's past,' she said. She said plans are underway to create an art gallery showcasing visuals of Ganpati Mahal, the original seven-storey structure, and other historically significant elements. 'The minister has assured that he will follow up with the Archaeological Survey of India to move things forward,' she said.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Time of India
Will set up audio-visual guides in Shaniwarwada: Shekhawat
Pune: Union minister of culture and tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat 's visit to Shaniwarwada on Thursday raised the hope of history buffs with his announcement of using technology to enhance the visitor experience. However, it also brought disappointment to the residents living within 100m of the monument, as he did not announce any relief to allow construction activity in the vicinity. The Union minister, after his visit to the monument, assured of helping in the restoration work as per the existing rules. "We will use modern technology such as the audio-visual guide system to enhance visitor experience," he said. According to the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains (AMASR) Act, 1958, no construction activity is permitted within 100 meters of a heritage site. Over 1,000 properties with more than 30,000 residents reside within 100m of Shaniwarwada. They are unable to get permission to redevelop the old wadas, which are in a dilapidated state. Shekhawat was accompanied by Rajya Sabha member Medha Kulkarni and a few local residents. The minister, while speaking to mediapersons, said, "The rule is as per AMASR Act. It is not limited to only one monument but is applicable across the country. I appeal to all citizens to support the govt to protect such heritage sites by abiding by the laws." Shekhawat visited Shaniwarwada following the request of Kulkarni, who took up the issue of restoration of the monument. "It is such an important monument in the history of the Maratha empire. We have been requesting the govt to take some steps for its restoration so that the future generations know the history," Kulkarni said.
