Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Ujwal Keskar has voiced strong objections against the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority’s (PMRDA) decision to auction seven hectares of valuable land in Shivajinagar, originally designated for dairy purposes in Wakdewadi.
PMRDA’s announcement to lease out the property, located on the old Pune-Mumbai Highway, drew criticism from Keskar, who questioned the legality and implications of the move. PMRDA Commissioner Rahul Mahiwal issued the notice for the auction, raising concerns among local stakeholders.
Expressing his dismay, Keskar emphasized that the land in question belongs to the state government’s dairy department and falls within the jurisdiction of the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC). He argued that PMRDA’s decision to proceed with the auction could potentially serve the interests of private developers at the expense of public welfare.
Highlighting the financial aspect, Keskar raised objections to the estimated value of ₹397.50 crore assigned to the land, suggesting that such transactions could undermine public interests and prioritize commercial gains over community needs.
Moreover, Keskar criticized the alteration of land reservations, citing a recent instance where a seven-acre plot in Katraj, initially earmarked as a playground, was repurposed for dairy business activities. He underscored the importance of preserving recreational spaces and urged authorities to prioritize the acquisition of the Shivajinagar land by Katraj Dairy to safeguard community interests.
In a bid to address his concerns, Keskar has escalated the matter by reaching out to the chief minister and deputy chief ministers, urging them to intervene and uphold the public’s interests in land usage and development decisions.
