PUNE: Chief minister Eknath Shinde on Tuesday approved a PMRDA budget of Rs 3,838.61 crore for the year, close to doubling the amount okayed last year (Rs 1,926 crore).
While chairing the annual PMRDA budget meeting in Mumbai, the CM emphasized that affordable housing schemes in the Pune Metropolitan Region (PMR) need to be properly planned with the help of experts, and adequate open spaces must be incorporated.
Shinde highlighted that with Pune city becoming densely populated, care needs to be taken be taken to ensure proper free spaces in newly developing areas.
The meeting, which was due in March, was conducted after an almost six-month gap. It was earlier postponed due to the Lok Sabha elections and model code of conduct in place till June this year.
Underscoring the importance of sustainable urban planning at the meeting, the CM said, “With Pune city already congested, we must ensure ample free spaces in developing areas of PMR.” He directed the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) to take the help of experts while planning tenements and said quality of construction of affordable houses must be ensured. Shinde also called for strict action against defaulters who flout guidelines.
Out of the total 4,886 houses that are ready under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) scheme, Shinde called for drawing of lots for the remaining 1,620 houses. He said the construction of 6,000 more houses in the second phase should be sped up, adding that various facilities like parks and open spaces should be provided for them all.
The meeting also discussed the regularisation of fees under the Gunthewari Act and relief to be given to citizens, with special concessions to be provided till March 31, 2025. The discussion further called for approval to start a disaster response team on the lines of Thane city for PMR, and the construction of a new fire station at 10 locations. Approval was given to prepare drainage schemes at 11 places, and glass skywalks at Tiger’s Point and Lion’s Point in Lonavla.
Along with the CM and PMRDA commissioner Yogesh Mhase and his team, others present in the meeting include state chief secretary Sujata Saunik, additional chief secretary of finance department OP Gupta, and additional chief secretary of planning department Rajagopal Deora.
PMRDA commissioner Mhase told TOI after the budget meeting that Rs982 crore has been cleared for the comprehensive mobility plan. According to Mhase, the CM said the plan is essential, considering the increasing traffic jams in Pune and the goal of constructing links connecting city roads to highways directly.
Of the 29 missing links, four are complete and the construction of bridges at Hingangaon, Yavat, and Rahu are proposed under CMP. A private agency has been appointed to ready the plan.
