The long-pending Mahalunge-Maan Town Planning (TP) scheme, stalled for nearly eight years, is finally progressing toward implementation. The Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) is set to hand over the project to the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC). Senior officials confirmed that the decision was finalized during a recent PMRDA budget meeting, where it was resolved that TP schemes with the majority of land within PMC limits should be executed by the civic body. A formal notification from the state government is expected shortly to officialize the transfer.
Reasons for the Jurisdictional Shift
The shift in jurisdiction follows the merger of several villages into the PMC. Officials noted that more than 75% of the Mahalunge-Maan TP scheme now falls within PMC limits, while smaller portions of Maan remain under PMRDA jurisdiction. Spread across 250 hectares in Mulshi taluka, the scheme was first proposed in 2017 and showcased as a model for urban development during the 2018 Magnetic Maharashtra summit.
Transfer of Completed Work
All work completed by PMRDA to date, including arbitration proceedings and planning formalities, will be transferred to the PMC for implementation once the final notification is issued, a senior PMRDA official stated. The project recently cleared a major hurdle on April 29, when the Urban Development Department (UDD) approved the first variation of the scheme. This revised plan incorporates modifications based on stakeholder feedback and critical flood-line corrections, which had previously caused significant delays.
Objectives and Design of the Scheme
The TP scheme is designed to transform the rapidly urbanizing corridor near the Hinjewadi IT park through systematic land reconstitution. It promises wider roads, sprawling open spaces, and modern social infrastructure. According to PMRDA documents, approximately 225 hectares of the 250-hectare total are designated as developable area, with specific reservations for gardens, utilities, and affordable housing.
Impact on Landowners and Developers
For years, the deadlock over approvals left both landowners and developers in limbo. Santosh Jagtap, a resident of Maan, said, We voluntarily surrendered our land because we believed in the vision of planned development. However, the delay created immense confusion. Families could neither develop their plots nor sell them. Another landowner from Mahalunge added that the lack of progress led to haphazard, unplanned growth in the area. We have attended countless hearings and arbitration sessions. We just want proper roads, drainage, and basic civic facilities, she said.
Industry Reaction and Future Prospects
The real estate industry has welcomed the prospect of the PMC taking charge. A local developer noted, The Mahalunge-Maan belt is one of Pune's primary growth corridors due to its proximity to Hinjewadi and Baner. PMC's involvement will bring much-needed clarity to infrastructure planning and future investments. It has been a long wait for everyone involved. With the transfer to PMC, stakeholders anticipate smoother implementation and resolution of long-standing issues.
