In response to the recent sealing of four Old Grant Bungalows (OGBs) in Pune Cantonment, Saurav Ray, the Director of Defence Estates for the Southern Command, has issued a directive to temporarily suspend ongoing construction activities in these bungalows. The move comes amid concerns of illegal purchasers obtaining sanctions by withholding crucial information related to the recorded Holder of Occupancy Rights (HORs).
Ray’s letter to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Pune Cantonment Board (PCB) emphasizes the need for a thorough verification of HOR credentials, along with confirmation from the Inspector General of Registration records/documents. This precaution aims to prevent illegal sales of prime defence land and maintain the integrity of General Lands Register (GLR) survey numbers associated with the concerned bungalows.
Key Points:
- Construction activities can only resume after verification of HOR credentials and confirmation from registration records.
- The directive aims to uncover illicit activities related to the sale and purchase of prime defence land in Pune Cantonment.
- Pune Cantonment features 290 OGBs, each valued in crores, with ongoing concerns about illegal construction and sales.
- The CEO is instructed to provide a list of building sanctions granted by the PCB for bungalows from January 1, 2022, to January 25, 2024.
The Director’s directive sheds light on instances where property repairs were applied for but structures were demolished for new buildings, in violation of rules. Some Holder of Occupancy Rights (HORs) repurposed structures for commercial use, contrary to regulations allowing only minor repairs. Instances of illegal construction, even after rejection by the Local Military Authority (LMA), have been widespread, especially in commercial establishments and properties.
Citizens and activists in Pune cantonment express dissatisfaction with the inaction of the PCB authorities. Despite notices sent to various establishments, including restaurants and eateries, using residential properties for commercial gains, effective measures have been lacking.
