Infrastructure Push Ahead as PMC Eyes Rs 200 Cr from Merged Zone

The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) expects to earn roughly Rs 200 crore annually by granting building permissions in the merged areas. This revenue comes after the transfer of authority from the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) to PMC, allowing the civic body to manage urban development in these zones.

PMC officials say the additional revenue will ease financial pressure on the civic administration. Funds from building permissions are expected to support 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 aimed at funding key infrastructure projects, including sewage treatment and water supply networks. PMC plans to invest over Rs 1,500 crore in these initiatives in the coming years, improving the 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 infrastructure growth aligns with future population needs.

Building permission authority has shifted from PMRDA to 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.

PMC’s building permission department confirmed that project implementation and granting permissions will start once the government resolution is issued. This marks a critical step in formalising PMC’s authority and streamlining urban development in the merged villages.

PMC plans to conduct a needs assessment to prioritise infrastructure projects in the newly merged areas. 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 highlighted that overlapping jurisdiction between 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 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, PMC aims to resolve issues in the merged areas and enhance public satisfaction, ensuring faster implementation of essential services.