COSTLY DELAYS: for faster progress, the city's development plans must receive the government's approval immediately, says Archana Sinha

As we enter 2010, it is amply clear that development is the key to the GDP growth and the well-being of India's billion-plus people, of whom many still do not have homes to live. In Pune, the government is encouraging development of good housing at affordable prices with basic amenities well in place for its citizens. Ironically; the basic guiding instrument, the Development Plans (DP) are still awaiting the final stamp of approval, for things to move smoothly.

The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has two DPs to be approved as on date. The DP for the core area expired in 2007 and is under revision. The second DP covers 23 new villages, which were later added to expand city limits. This is awaiting approval at the government level since 2005. Last year only a part of it- Baner Balewadi was approved.

Aneeta Benninger, architect and urban planner says, "Development Plans of all world-class cities were drawn on sustainable development principles, encompassing physical and social infrastructure, open spaces, bio-diversity parks and the water bodies, and renewal plans of water and power resources. It must include detailed maps of water and sewage lines, rail-routes and other plans like the metro etc, so that there is a clear demarcation of construction zones, schools and healthcare centers. The proposed DP had none of those and met with opposition from more than 90,000 people in Pune, who demanded proportionate green zones and water bodies, along with physical and social infrastructure. After including the suggestions, it was forwarded to the state government five years ago. It is yet to receive sanction."

Architect Rajiv Raje, adds "The development plan is like a road-map, a blueprint to guide all development activities, just like a design plan, which is the very foundation of all developmental activities of a building. In the absence of this it is almost impossible to develop a city on modern parameters, tak¬ing into consideration the future growth prospects of a city. It is time the authorities understood the seriousness of putting the development plan in place as soon as possible. If the city aspires to be among the most commendable cities of the world."

Rohit Gera, executive director, Developments, says, "The government is pushing for massive development of infrastructure and housing. But the absence of the sanctioned Development Plan, throttles supply of land stock, which is crucial for all development. In the old PMC limits, the government has to acquire some part of the land for making roads. But with no clarity on the DP, the authorities are also shying away from acquiring land for developing infrastructure. So how do we develop homes? Something should be done at the citizen’s level"

Nitin Nyati, CMD, Nyati Group also says, "The Chief Minister has recently promised to give DP the highest priority. We are confident of the PMC speeding up the plans once the approval is given. But until then illegal constructions are going on, which would make things difficult. Roads being one of the major components, the municipalities should mark the sites to avoid further wastage of time and money in clearing illegal constructions."

Nyati adds, "Many villages have been merged in PMC. With haphazard growth and need controlled planning. The authorities involved should be also well-informed about the planning and work with the municipal bodies for smooth functioning of the plan."

Sachin Kulkarni, MD. Vastushodh Projects Ltd says. "All projects are hugely affected. Places like Balewadi, Baner and Bavdhan need roads, drainage and water. Higher FSI and TDR have been on the anvil for the last six years. But still nothing concrete has been decided. Our costs go haywire when basics are not in place. Things have improved in the last 6 months, but more is needed."

Vidyadhar Deshpande, retin director, town planning department says, "The draft plan has been published under section of Maharashtra Regional Development Planning act, so is a legal document. A building proposal has to be in conso¬nance with the draft DP and the Regional Plan. In case of a dispute, the regional plan would prevail. If a proposal comes under the green zone in region plan, although the development plan may show it as a residential zone the permission cannot be given and the citizens should be aware of it as much as the sanctioning authorities. Development is not halted even while sanction is awaited."

Experts refute this vehement¬ly saying activities could be challenged in the absence of approval. It is imperative for the government to approve the plans immediately; as the welfare of people is at stake.

INPUTS: NEHA DANI SUCBITA PATIL; DEEPIKA MITAIS