PMC Aims for Rs 200 Crore from Merged Areas: Boosting Infrastructure and Civic Services
The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) is gearing up to earn roughly Rs 200 crore annually by granting building permissions in the merged areas. This significant revenue stream comes after the transfer of authority from the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) to the PMC, allowing the civic body to manage urban development in these zones.
PMC officials are optimistic that the additional revenue will alleviate financial pressures on the civic administration. The funds from building permissions are expected to support various civic services and infrastructure projects in the newly merged areas, reducing dependency on other budget sources and ensuring better planning for future development.
The revenue is earmarked for key infrastructure projects, including sewage treatment and water supply networks. The PMC plans to invest over Rs 1,500 crore in these initiatives in the coming years, improving living conditions and basic amenities for residents in the newly merged areas.
The nine merged villages have an estimated population of six lakh, projected to reach eight lakh by 2035. PMC officials used these figures to plan civic amenities and draft the development plan (DP) for the merged areas, ensuring that infrastructure growth aligns with future population needs.
Building permission authority has shifted from PMRDA to the PMC, giving the civic body full control over approvals in the merged areas. PMC is now waiting for the government resolution (GR) to officially implement the transfer and begin executing planned projects efficiently.
Once the government resolution is issued, the PMC’s building permission department will start implementing projects and granting permissions. This marks a critical step in formalizing the PMC’s authority and streamlining urban development in the merged villages.
To prioritize infrastructure projects in the newly merged areas, the PMC plans to conduct a needs assessment. This exercise will help identify critical civic requirements, allocate resources efficiently, and ensure that projects like roads, water supply, and sewage networks are implemented in a systematic manner.
Residents have highlighted that overlapping jurisdiction between the PMC and PMRDA had slowed civic services in some areas. Rapid real estate development has not been matched with adequate civic amenities, making proper urban management essential for improving living standards and addressing local grievances.
The state government approved the draft development plan (DP) for the merged areas in October. This DP provides a structured approach for urban planning, infrastructure allocation, and future development, ensuring that the PMC can guide the growth of these rapidly expanding zones effectively.
The transfer of authority and additional revenue from building permissions is expected to improve civic service delivery. By managing permissions locally and executing infrastructure projects, the PMC aims to resolve issues in the merged areas and enhance public satisfaction, ensuring faster implementation of essential services.
