Development should be people-oriented: Mahesh Pathak

Q: What are your views regarding redevelopment of Pune? Which are the areas in the city that need immediate redevelopment and why?
Pune is broadly divided into two parts – congested areas (central core area called gaothan) and non-congested localities. The congested areas require immediate redevelopment. The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has framed several policies to address the issue. The Metro proposal and development of old & dilapidated structures are major initiatives taken in this direction. I believe that the development should be such that it does not destroy the urban fabric of the city in terms of heritage, culture, tradition and educational facilities.

At the same time, development should be people-oriented, which is supported by efficient public transport and amenities. Most of the important heritage structures in old gaothan areas are not having empty spaces around them. Due to such congestion, their rich cultural and historical values are vanishing day by day. With redevelopment of these areas, such heritage structures will get ample space around them and they can be used for cultural events, open art galleries, seating places for senior citizens, landscaping and more.

Q: What initiatives have been taken to address the issue of redevelopment in the city?
PMC has formulated the Development Control rules for the congested areas, so as to encourage small landholdings to come together. This concept is called ‘ cluster development’. Those proposals satisfying the cluster development norms will be given additional incentive FSI ( Floor Space Index). This will result in faster redevelopment and widening of roads. There are also many provisions in the draft Development Plan, which will promote private owners to preserve their heritage structures. Also, heritage precinct areas will be considered by making certain guidelines, signage control and developing new walks, vehicular route and more, which will also support heritage tourism.

Q: While Pune is going through a sea change with respect to proposed Metro rail project, BRTS, various development works under the JNNURM and Ring Road, how do you see the redevelopment of the city in the future?
For the past seven-eight years, the city has seen execution of big infrastructure projects mainly due to JNNURM and Commonwealth Youth Games. These projects include development of roads to facilitate BRTS, robust solid waste management system, various flyovers, basic services for urban poor, sewage treatment plants and others. Also, the approval of Metro rail project is in the final stage. All these development initiatives will result in improving the living standards of citizens and give a boost to building development industry, thereby making Pune a much preferred destination in the country.

Q: The PMC has its own Development Control rules and even a separate town planning office and building permission department to keep a check on illegal redevelopment of the city but how do you plan to tackle the issue of redevelopment of the city?
The PMC has a building development department and encroachment department. The unauthorised development within the premises is being tackled by the building development department and those on roads are listed by the encroachment department. Joint action is taken by both these departments to remove these encroachments. With increase in the area of PMC, these systems will have to be strengthened further.

Q: During redevelopment, extra FSI and TDR are loaded in specific areas of the city. How is the PMC administration going to take care of providing basic amenities to these areas?
In order to make the redevelopment of the city practically possible, that too in a well-planned manner, provisions for various incentives such as cluster FSI, heritage TDR have been made. Owners of the heritage properties cannot preserve their properties as it is not a source of revenue. At the same time it attracts maintenance, which adds on to the costs. Heritage TDR will promote conservation and preservation of such structures and at the same time it will be possible for the owners to maintain such properties. Planning of various amenities and infrastructure works have already been taken care of to cater to futuristic population.

Q: How do you compare the redevelopment going on in Pune to that of Mumbai?
The city of Mumbai is linear and that of Pune is radial. Hence, it will not be appropriate to compare them. However, most of the redevelopment in Mumbai is already done and the balance is much in the form of slum rehabilitation. On the other hand, the situation in Pune is better. The actual redevelopment is in the process and with the availability of various opportunities, this development will be in a much planned manner, as compared to Mumbai.

Attend this seminar
To learn more on this issue, attend DNA’s Property Redevelopment Seminar at Harshal Hall, 153 Kasat Chemical Compound, opposite McDonald’s, Kothrud on April 6 from 10 am to 3 pm. To register, send a message: DNA RED