PUNE: Former chief minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday stirred up a hornet’s nest when he said biodiversity park (BDP) areas could be developed like hill stations where up to 15% development can be allowed.
“We are on the same page where we agree that densification should not be allowed in BDP areas. A majority of the land available here is privately owned. If a policy is not finalised about the BDPs, it will lead to encroachments. Already, people are trying to find ways to sell their lands in BDPs. So, a policy should be formed and implemented which is satisfactory for all stake holders,” he said.
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Since the merger of the 23 villages in the PMC limits in1997, political parties have time and again tried to throw open the 987 hectares of the hilltop/ hill slope zones in these villages for construction. Puneites have unanimously rejected every such proposal in the last two decades. After the official objections raised by citizens, the civic body resolved to preserve these hills as biodiversity parks and recommend the state to impose a cap of 0.4 Floor Space Index on permissible constructions. Any idea or proposal to allow relaxations in the set norms that were decided after a prolonged debate amounts to breach of the citizens' trust and should be rejected forthwith.
He was speaking at a press conference after reviewing big ticket projects the Pune Municipal Corporation has undertaken. “Building a consensus on the BDP issue is a hurdle for a final call about them. But, it is necessary to build common ground. When we were in power in the state, we had given thought to such a policy, something on the lines of Matheran and Mahabaleshwar, to resolve the BDP issue,” Fadnavis said.
He added that there are different opinions on allowing constructions in these reserved areas. Currently, around 0.8% construction of the total land size is allowed. But, people will not give up their land. So, some rules must be finalised, he said.
However, Fadnavis’s words have upset conservationists, activists and citizens who want the BDPs protected. They have time and again expressed concern about illegal constructions in these green spaces and opposed corporators and politicians who have sought permissions for constructions in them.
Rajya Sabha member Vandana Chavan said allowing more construction in the BDPs is not a good idea and must be opposed. “The topography and other environmental aspects of Pune are not same as a hill station’s. So, comparing them with a hill station is not the right way of resolving the matter. It shows poor vision towards planning,” she said.
Urban planner Anita Gokhale Benninger said she was disappointed that such a possibility is being considered. “Hill stations have at least 90% forest and only 10% construction. This is not the case in Pune. The decision to protect BDPs should be followed. Saving them should be considered a mission,” she added.
Water Supply PlansThe former chief minister added that the civic administration should lay optical fibre cables along with pipelines for the 24x7 water supply project which will be completed by 2023. Water consumption in Pune is among the highest in the country, and loss of water amounts to around 40%, he said.
A special purpose vehicle for the riverfront development project will be formed. Work will start in May after the state government approves it, Fadnavis added.