Shiv Sena, MNS oppose; BJP agrees to construction in bio-diversity park

The decision of the state government to allow 4% construction in the proposed bio-diversity park (BDP) in the merged villages in the city was opposed by arch-rivals, the Shiv Sena and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS). They threatened to launch an agitation.
However, the Sena’s alliance partner, the Bharatiya Janata Party, welcomed the decision.

Shiv Sena group leader in the PMC, Sham Deshpande, party MLA Chandrakant Mokate, deputy chiefs of the party Prashant Badhe and Rajendra Shinde, told reporters that the party would resort to an agitation and would move the court against the decision, if needed.

Deshpande said chief minister Prithviraj Chavan has taken a “senseless decision” under pressure from the builders’ lobby.
Group leader of MNS, Ravindra Dhangekar, said that the decision was taken in view of the ensuing PMC election.

But the BJP city president, Vikas Mathkari, said the state government decision has vindicated the stand taken by the party since 2005. He said that the party welcomes the decision, but precautions should be taken that trees are planted and grown enough before permission is given for construction in the BDP.

Group leader of the Congress, Aba Bagul, said the party insists on a “green” DP and the decision to allow construction on only 4% of land would lead to greenery on the remaining 96%, thus serving the purpose of a green DP.

The development plan of Pune is yet to be passed by the state government.