Maharashtra Government Halts Controversial TDR for Janta Vasahat, Orders Inquiry
The Maharashtra government has suspended the Slum Rehabilitation Authority's (SRA) decision to grant full TDR for land at Janta Vasahat in Parvati and has ordered an investigation into the matter.
TdroJanta VasahatSlum Rehabilitation AuthorityReal EstateDevelopment RegulationsReal Estate PuneAug 22, 2025
In a circular issued on Wednesday, housing department officer Gajanan Dabilkar directed the SRA to submit a detailed report along with ready reckoner rates. The circular noted that several newspapers had highlighted irregularities in the Janta Vasahat TDR decision, and the Slum Developers’ Association had lodged a complaint with the state government questioning the SRA’s move. The department has also instructed that all such TDR cases in Pune be scrutinized.
The controversy stems from the SRA’s decision in May this year to grant 100% TDR—valued at ₹763.39 crore—for a 1.92 lakh sqm plot at Janta Vasahat. The land falls in the hill top–hill slope zone, where only 0.8% TDR is permitted. The unprecedented approval raised concerns among real estate developers about possible violations of development regulations.
Objections were also raised over the application of ready reckoner rates. While the official rate for the area is ₹5,720 per sqm, the SRA allegedly applied a rate of ₹39,650. The housing department has asked the SRA to explain the anomaly.
Satish Khadke, chief executive officer (CEO) of the SRA, said, “I have recently taken charge. I will gather details and examine any objections raised. The matter will be verified.” According to officials, the SRA’s plan was to acquire the land from its original owner by compensating with TDR before initiating a housing scheme. However, given that Janta Vasahat is Pune’s largest slum, redevelopment poses major logistical challenges.
The proposal had first come before the SRA in January this year but was not cleared then. It was subsequently forwarded to the housing department, which directed the SRA to grant 100% TDR compensation—a decision now under review.
Leaders from across party lines, including Ujwal Keskar of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Nilesh Nikam of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), welcomed the state government’s decision to halt the process pending inquiry. They emphasized the need for transparency and adherence to development regulations to ensure fair and equitable urban development.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is TDR in the context of urban development?
TDR, or Transfer of Development Rights, is a mechanism that allows the transfer of development rights from one piece of land to another. It is often used in urban planning to control development in certain areas while allowing it in others.
Why did the Maharashtra government stay the TDR decision for Janta Vasahat?
The government stayed the TDR decision due to concerns about possible violations of development regulations and irregularities in the application of ready reckoner rates, as highlighted by media reports and complaints from the Slum Developers’ Association.
What is the significance of the hill top–hill slope zone in development regulations?
The hill top–hill slope zone is a designated area where strict development regulations are in place to protect the environment. In this zone, only a limited percentage (0.8%) of TDR is typically permitted to prevent overdevelopment and environmental degradation.
Who is Satish Khadke, and what is his role in this controversy?
Satish Khadke is the CEO of the Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA). He has recently taken charge and is tasked with gathering details and examining the objections raised regarding the TDR decision for Janta Vasahat.
What are the next steps in the investigation of the Janta Vasahat TDR case?
The next steps include the submission of a detailed report by the SRA to the housing department, along with the ready reckoner rates. The department will also scrutinize all similar TDR cases in Pune to ensure compliance with development regulations.
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