PMRDA Development Plan Cancelled But Infrastructure Projects Continue

Despite the cancellation of the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority’s (PMRDA) development plan (DP), all ongoing infrastructure and land acquisition projects remain on track, officials confirmed during a press briefing on Thursday.

PMRDA Commissioner Yogesh Mhase clarified that the cancellation of the DP has not affected the progress of current initiatives, including road development and public utility work. Alongside the updates, Mhase announced the decentralisation of PMRDA, with divisional offices being set up in all nine talukas under its jurisdiction from May 1. “PMRDA governs nine talukas and 814 villages. Citizens often find it difficult to travel to the central office for services, so we are opening local offices to make our services more accessible,” Mhase said. Each divisional office has been staffed with eight officers, and space has already been secured on rent.

Addressing the lack of awareness about PMRDA in rural areas due to limited internet access, Mhase said the authority has distributed information calendars to 467 gram panchayats and talathi offices. The calendars outline PMRDA’s functions in simple language. On the issue of unauthorised constructions, Mhase admitted delays in issuing construction permissions had contributed to violations. “We take responsibility for the rise in illegal structures and are actively taking corrective measures,” he said. In recent months, action has been taken against nearly 4,500 illegal constructions along roads, and surveys are ongoing to identify illegal hoardings and unauthorised land plotting. PMRDA is also working towards streamlined development across Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad municipal limits and 233 surrounding villages. These areas are being brought under regulated building permissions to ensure orderly urban growth.

Sewage and wastewater management is another focus, with tenders issued for 11 new treatment plants and consultants appointed to oversee implementation. Mhase also revealed plans to upgrade road width standards—future roads will be developed with a minimum width of 18 metres, replacing previous norms of 9 or 12 metres. Essential pipelines for sewage, drainage, and water supply will be laid prior to road construction to prevent repeated excavation.

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PMRDA Development Plan Cancelled But Infrastructure Projects Continue