Maha HC directs PMRDA to consult local bodies before finalising development plan

PUNE, Maharashtra: Maharashtra High Court has directed the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) to consult relevant local self-government bodies before taking a final call on the draft development plan. The High Court direction comes after a PIL objected to the PMRDA plan, stating the exclusion of local bodies. PMRDA prepared the Draft development plan back in July 2021 and called in the objections. 

In the PIL filed by Vasant Bhise, Sukhdev Tapkir, and Deepali Hulawle, the court highlighted that the PMRDA planning committee had vacancies when the development plan was being discussed. Therefore, the court asked the Department of Urban Development, Government of Maharashtra, PMRDA Planning Committee and PMRDA to submit the draft plan to the court before the finalisation.

The PIL argued that the development plan cannot be finalised due to vacancies in the planning committee. However, the court has allowed the interim work, including preparation of report regarding the suggestions and objections, but the plan has to be presented before the local self-government bodies for their approval.

As the PMRDA does not have a planning committee, a 30 members committee consisting of office bearers from the local self-government bodies, was constituted. The Court’s order is expected to pave the way for the inclusion of local bodies in the preparation stage of the development plan.