Land Dispute Emerges Between Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation and Pune Metro Over Prime Locations
Reported By Varad Bhatkhande
Pimpri Chinchwad, 12th June 2024: A 30-year rent agreement between the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) and Pune Metro has sparked a controversy over prime land ownership. The Maharashtra State Government has identified ten key locations owned by PCMC, which are crucial for Pune Metro’s financial stability and expansion plans. PCMC’s decision to commercialize these lands designated for metro operations has met with opposition from the Maharashtra State Government, leading to a potential dispute between the two entities.
Within PCMC’s jurisdiction, Pune Metro currently operates a 7.5-kilometre stretch from Dapodi to Pimpri, with further extensions planned. PCMC allocated Rs 288 crores to Maha Metro for this project. However, the Maharashtra Government and Maha Metro are now vying for control over ten prime locations in Pimpri Chinchwad city, designated for metro-related activities and parking, which were leased to Pune Metro in 2018.
The Maharashtra Government argues that utilizing these locations for commercial ventures is essential to bolster Pune Metro’s financial viability. However, PCMC’s lease agreement restricts the commercial use of these lands. As a result, the Maharashtra Government has urged PCMC to transfer ownership of these lands to Pune Metro unconditionally, enabling commercial utilization to enhance the metro’s financial prospects. The Directorate of Town Planning & Valuation has instructed PCMC Commissioner and Administrator Shekhar Singh to allocate these locations to Maha Metro.
The disputed locations include the Vehicle Parking area in front of PCMC Bhavan, land near Vallabh Nagar ST Depot, near Phugewadi Zakat Naka, and others. Executive Director of Pune Metro, Dr. Hemant Sonawane, affirmed that the rented land from PCMC will be utilized for commercial purposes with the necessary permissions obtained from the Maharashtra State Government.
Assistant Municipal Commissioner of PCMC’s Land and Estates Department, Avinash Shinde, stated, “We have rented the place to Pune Metro. Granting them ownership isn’t appropriate. Feedback on this matter has been communicated to the Maharashtra Government.”
