PUNE: Residents living near Shaniwarwada have demanded relaxation in no-development rules in the area to carry out repairs and construction of their structures.
In 1998, a notification was issued prohibiting development within 100m of the Shaniwarwada monument. The implementation started in 2003. Local residents said development has been stuck for two decades in the area. Construction is restricted in and around Shaniwarwada since it is a heritage site.
“Many of us live in very dangerous conditions. The properties are dilapidated and can cause accidents, especially during the monsoon,” said Abhay Joshi, a wada resident.
The issue has been raised several times in previous state assembly sessions and was taken up ahead of the budget session by MLA of Kasba constituency Hemant Rasane.
People living near Shaniwarwada and areas of Budhwar Peth, Shaniwar Peth and Narayan Peth, among others, would get relief if the no-development rules are relaxed. Residents said notification to ban construction had led to several issues and wada owners, residents and tenants were suffering. They have been living in the properties for decades and can do nothing with the redevelopment stuck.
“Sustainable development and reconstructions must be allowed in areas near Shaniwarwada. Rules must be upgraded as per the times and requirement of people,” said Nilesh Vakil, a resident of Kasba.
Swapnil Thorve another resident said “Many people live in dilapidated houses and their lives are under threat. If real estate in the area is not developed, the current condition of structures will worsen. Immediate relief must be offered. There is lack of political and administrative will to resolve the issue.”
Residents pointed out that the administration had itself carried out infrastructure projects near historical places and monuments with heritage status. A grade separator was built near Pataleshwar caves, also a heritage structure, but the act and notification did not prove to be an obstacle then, they said. The same approach should be taken while deciding about run-down wadas in the peth areas. Local residents said nearly 1,000 properties and around 30,000 residents are affected by the ban and will have to be rehabilitated if redevelopment is not allowed.
Meanwhile, Rasane submitted a letter in this regard to chief minister Devendra Fadnavis last week. “Residents must get relief. If needed, a separate policy should be drafted to resolve the problem of these dilapidated properties in the peth areas of Pune. An expert committee should look into it and take corrective steps to allow construction.”
