The Maharashtra state government has officially scrapped the Draft Development Plan (DP) prepared by the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA). While this marks the end of an eight-year-long planning process, the cancellation raises new concerns for infrastructure and civic development — especially in the merged villages, Pune Ring Road project, and Town Planning (TP) schemes.
What Was the DP and Why Was It Cancelled?
The draft DP, covering around 6,000 sq km of the Pune Metropolitan Region, was released on July 30, 2021. Citizens were invited to give feedback, and over 69,200 objections and suggestions were submitted. Hearings were conducted between March and December 2022.
Following public resistance and a Bombay High Court stay order in October 2022, the government has now officially cancelled the plan. PMRDA officials have received the minutes of the decision and are awaiting a formal notification.
Impact on Merged Villages: Problems Persist
Despite the addition of 23 villages to Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) in 2021 — making it the largest civic body in Maharashtra — basic services in these areas remain lacking.
-
Water Scarcity remains a major issue. In 2024–25, several merged villages such as Dhayari, Khadakwasla, Kirkitwadi, and Nanded City reported having to rely on water tankers.
-
An outbreak of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) was linked to water-related issues in these areas.
-
Residents are paying high municipal taxes but continue to face gaps in infrastructure, including roads, drainage, and healthcare.
With no updated development plan in place, these villages remain outside a clear planning framework.
Projects Affected: Pune Ring Road & TP Schemes
The cancellation also impacts the Pune Ring Road project, a key infrastructure initiative, and several Town Planning (TP) schemes that were linked to the now-scrapped DP. Clarity on how and when these projects will be realigned is still pending.
What’s Next?
The PMRDA is currently in talks with the town planning department to begin work on a revised development plan, expected to project up to the year 2046. Key changes are likely in the alignment of 18-meter roads, land reservations, and planning priorities across the region.
However, no immediate roadmap has been announced for addressing the needs of the merged villages or rescheduling delayed infrastructure projects.
