PUNE: The state-appointed panel evaluating integrated township constructions across the state has only inspected two projects in Nagpur out of 30.
Formed early last year, the panel’s mandate includes comprehensive assessment of each township, with focus on water availability, progress in construction, amenity spaces, and economical housing provisions. Additionally, the committee will verify adherence to proposals submitted under the state’s integrated township policy.
A senior official of the town planning department told TOI that the inspection of the two Nagpur townships uncovered delays in construction of promised amenity spaces. “The work is an elaborate one. It did not start last year due to some issues. Recently, we visited two projects in Nagpur and now we will focus on the remaining projects,” said a panel member.
The bulk of the work remains untouched, particularly in Pune and Konkan divisions, which host most of these projects. Of the 30 townships, 13 are in Pune district, followed by Konkan region.
Many residents staying in the townships have raised various issues, including poor water supply.
The committee will register complaints regarding inadequate potable water in the approved integrated townships and submit them to the state govt. Its members will also check the progress in construction, focus on economy housing, and verify adherence to the proposals submitted to the state govt under the integrated township policy. According to rules, developers need to seek clearance from the irrigation department to allocate water for the 30 integrated townships most of which are in Pune, Konkan, and Nagpur divisions. As many as 13 are in the construction stage, the official said.
Advocate Satya Muley, who has been representing housing societies in a PIL regarding erratic water supply, said, “There are several complaints regarding water supply in integrated townships, especially in Hinjewadi. The state govt needs to look at these closely. 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 is being violated. They are left to shell out crores of rupees to buy water from the tanker mafia every year,” he said.
Citizen activists working in the sphere of rainwater harvesting wondered how such mega townships would supply water to residents. “Unless there is strict monitoring, citizens will continue to suffer from water shortage. There is no mention of water conservation practices, especially rainwater harvesting, in buildings to increase the depleting groundwater table. There is no audit of natural water resources in the city and their maintenance. Long-term solutions are required to prevent the effects of deficit monsoon. There is a need to focus on managing water supply in the integrated townships,” he said.
Experts stated that the slow pace raises concerns about timely submission of crucial reports ahead of assembly polls scheduled in Oct-Nov this year.
The process is slow, and one is not sure how the govt will use the report. “No change is expected in the existing integrated township policy. Even if suggestions and detailed reports are provided, will penalties be slapped on developers who have not adhered to the rules?” said an activist. |
Pune: The state-appointed panel evaluating integrated township constructions across the state has only inspected two projects in Nagpur out of 30.
Formed early last year, the panel’s mandate includes comprehensive assessment of each township, with focus on water availability, progress in construction, amenity spaces, and economical housing provisions. Additionally, the committee will verify adherence to proposals submitted under the state’s integrated township policy.
A senior official of the town planning department told TOI that the inspection of the two Nagpur townships uncovered delays in construction of promised amenity spaces. “The work is an elaborate one. It did not start last year due to some issues. Recently, we visited two projects in Nagpur and now we will focus on the remaining projects,” said a panel member.
The bulk of the work remains untouched, particularly in Pune and Konkan divisions, which host most of these projects. Of the 30 townships, 13 are in Pune district, followed by Konkan region.
Many residents staying in the townships have raised various issues, including poor water supply.
The committee will register complaints regarding inadequate potable water in the approved integrated townships and submit them to the state govt. Its members will also check the progress in construction, focus on economy housing, and verify adherence to the proposals submitted to the state govt under the integrated township policy. According to rules, developers need to seek clearance from the irrigation department to allocate water for the 30 integrated townships most of which are in Pune, Konkan, and Nagpur divisions. As many as 13 are in the construction stage, the official said.
Advocate Satya Muley, who has been representing housing societies in a PIL regarding erratic water supply, said, “There are several complaints regarding water supply in integrated townships, especially in Hinjewadi. The state govt needs to look at these closely. 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 is being violated. They are left to shell out crores of rupees to buy water from the tanker mafia every year,” he said.
Citizen activists working in the sphere of rainwater harvesting wondered how such mega townships would supply water to residents. “Unless there is strict monitoring, citizens will continue to suffer from water shortage. There is no mention of water conservation practices, especially rainwater harvesting, in buildings to increase the depleting groundwater table. There is no audit of natural water resources in the city and their maintenance. Long-term solutions are required to prevent the effects of deficit monsoon. There is a need to focus on managing water supply in the integrated townships,” he said.
Experts stated that the slow pace raises concerns about timely submission of crucial reports ahead of assembly polls scheduled in Oct-Nov this year.
The process is slow, and one is not sure how the govt will use the report. “No change is expected in the existing integrated township policy. Even if suggestions and detailed reports are provided, will penalties be slapped on developers who have not adhered to the rules?” said an activist. |
