PUNE: A state-appointed panel will inspect all 30 integrated townships across Maharashtra starting next year — after a year’s delay — with two projects in Nagpur already assessed.
Formed in early 2023, the panel’s mandate includes a comprehensive assessment of each township, focusing on water availability, construction progress, amenity spaces, and economical housing provisions. The committee will also verify adherence to proposals submitted under the state’s integrated township policy.
A senior town planning department official told TOI on Friday that initial inspections of Nagpur townships revealed delays in delivering promised amenity spaces. “After our visit to two projects in Nagpur, we proposed more checks, and this will be placed before the state govt. The new UDD minister is expected to evaluate our suggestions, and we will implement these checks during our visits, which will commence for all the projects from the coming year. Most of the projects are in Pune district,” the official said.
Of the 30 townships, 13 are in Pune district, followed by Konkan region. According to officials, 13 townships are currently in the construction stage. Developers must obtain clearance from the irrigation department for water allocation across these projects, which are in Pune, Konkan, and Nagpur divisions.
Residents have raised numerous concerns about these townships. “Integrated townships promoted by the govt are being completely ignored when it comes to basic civic amenities. The fundamental rights of citizens to use water for drinking and other domestic purposes are being violated. They are left to shell out crores of rupees to buy water from tanker mafias every year,” said a resident of Hinjawadi.
Sreerjit N, a resident of an integrated township on the outskirts, emphasised the need for water conservation. “Unless there is strict monitoring, citizens will continue to face water shortage. There is no mention of water conservation practices, especially rainwater harvesting, in buildings to increase depleting groundwater table.”
“While the state may look at additional proposals for integrated townships — which is the answer to planned development, lack of basic amenities in these townships makes it a pointless investment,” added Suguna Parthasarthy, another township resident. The committee will register complaints regarding inadequate potable water and submit them to the state govt, along with assessments of construction progress and compliance with the integrated township policy.
