PUNE: Construction projects near defense establishments across Pune have come to a standstill due to ambiguity surrounding the exact limits of “Red Zone” areas—restricted zones spanning 50 to 100 meters from defense facilities where construction is prohibited.

Despite receiving approvals and building permissions from the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), developers and landowners are unable to proceed without the mandatory No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Defense Department. The situation is aggravated by the absence of official maps clearly outlining the restricted zones.

Several years ago, the Defense Department had issued a directive identifying no-development areas near its facilities. However, the directive failed to define whether the restriction applies from the facility’s boundary wall or the inner perimeter, leaving both officials and builders in a dilemma. 

Additionally, the promised official zoning maps have yet to be published, causing repeated queries and complaints from citizens and developers.

In response, the PMC has formally urged the Defense Department to conduct a detailed joint survey and provide accurate demarcation of these Red Zone areas. A recent tri-party meeting involving the PMC, District Administration, and Defense Department led to the decision for a collaborative survey. 

While the PMC has expressed willingness to provide detailed records of sanctioned and assessed properties in the affected zones, it has stated that the Defense Department has not confirmed its participation in the joint exercise.

The situation further escalated when the Defense Department recently issued orders to halt construction even in zones where prior permissions had been granted. Expressing strong dissatisfaction, the PMC has pushed for urgent coordination and finalization of Red Zone boundaries to avoid further delays in Pune’s urban development projects.