In a significant development, farmers from the Pimpri region are fervently calling for the cancellation of the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority’s (PMRDA) controversial development plan. Allegations of biased decision-making, lack of transparency, and potential collusion with builders have prompted a plea from local farmers to safeguard their interests against perceived injustices.
Demand for Scrapping Plan:
Members of the Metropolitan Planning Committee (MPC), Deepali Hulawle, Santosh Bhegade, and Priyanka Mangade Pathare, addressed the media in Pimpri during a press conference held on Friday. They raised concerns over the PMRDA’s development plan, emphasizing the urgency of their plea to protect the rights of local farmers.
Builders’ Influence and Farmer Grievances:
The farmers allege that the PMRDA’s draft plan, instead of safeguarding their interests, may favor certain builders. Observations of builders’ and entrepreneurs’ agents frequenting the PMRDA’s office have fueled suspicions of undue influence. Farmers, dissatisfied with the plan, took their grievances to the Bombay High Court, citing its potential devastating consequences.
Legal Battle and Irregularities:
Vasant Bhase and Sukhdev Tapkir, representing the petitioners, emphasized the perceived unfairness of the plan and its potential adverse impact on farmers. A petition filed in January 2023 sought the cancellation of the PMRDA’s draft development plan, citing a lack of public involvement. Despite court intervention, the PMRDA continued, prompting another petition that temporarily halted proceedings. Controversy arose as the PMRDA allegedly proceeded without involving the MPC committee, leading to accusations of protocol violations.
Suspicious Actions and Concealed Proceedings:
Allegations surfaced regarding deliberate concealment of court proceedings by the PMRDA, raising doubts about the fairness of the plan. Farmers fear potential landlessness due to the plan’s adverse impact. The aggrieved parties plan to promptly bring these irregularities to the court’s attention.
MPC’s Alternative Plan:
In response to the contentious PMRDA proposal, the MPC has resolved to devise a separate plan. The state government, on July 11, 2016, revoked the PMRDA’s development powers, rendering its authority null and void. The proposed draft development scheme for Pune district has raised concerns about the involvement of agents and potential mismanagement.
Citizens’ Vigilance and Potential Risks:
Citizens are cautioned against falling victim to agents promising favorable rezoning or infrastructure alterations. Such actions not only risk compromising the development process but also open avenues for financial fraud. Concerns about the appointment of officials overseeing development planning within the PMRDA persist, with questions surrounding their conduct and decision-making processes.
