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State Government Approves 8,015 Sq Ft Land on Senapati Bapat Road for Pune Press ClubForest Trails Residents Raise Alarm Over Alleged Illegal Construction on Reserved Land
Residents of Bhugaon's Forest Trails Township have expressed grave concerns about what they see as unlawful construction occurring on property designated as an (NDZ) No-Development Zone.
What the Residents Are Saying
According to the Forest Trails Welfare Association (FTWA), heavy machinery and construction materials have been transported into the area despite clear restrictions on development. The land in question falls under the Bhugaon Development Plan (DP), which designates portions of the area as Forest, Bio-Diversity Park (BDP), or No-Development Zone.
Residents argue that:
- A truckload of red soil was dumped on the NDZ land.
- This activity happened near the Daffodil building within the township.
- The work was halted only after residents confronted the workers.
- FTWA had already filed an official complaint with PMRDA in December 2020 regarding earlier attempts at construction.
Reserved Land Must Not Be Altered
Under the Bhugaon DP, certain open spaces are meant to be preserved as natural buffers, ensuring sustainable development. Residents emphasise that any alteration— even levelling land or dumping soil— can permanently damage the area’s ecology.
The concern is not only environmental. Residents also worry that:
- Unauthorised construction may set a dangerous precedent.
- Builders may later claim that “work has already begun” to justify future permissions.
- PMRDA’s alleged inaction could undermine public trust in planning authorities.
What Paranjape Builders Have Explained
Representatives of Paranjape Schemes have clarified that:
- The land belongs to the builder, but as per the Development Plan, it is officially classified as open land.
- A compound wall has been constructed around the bungalow plots to protect the property.
- The soil-filled area was cleaned solely for maintenance, and no construction has been carried out.
- They claim they have complied with the DP and assert that no development work has violated the law.
PMRDA’s Position
PMRDA officials have stated that:
- They will investigate the issue raised by residents.
- Any construction in the No-Development Zone is strictly prohibited.
- Action will be taken if any violation is confirmed.
However, residents argue that despite multiple complaints over the years, no visible steps have been taken to prevent further attempts at altering the land.
Why This Issue Matters
Bhugaon lies on the outskirts of Pune and is part of a region rich in biodiversity. Illegal hill cutting, soil dumping, and construction have long-term effects such as:
- Soil erosion
- Change in natural drainage patterns
- Loss of green cover
- Increased environmental vulnerability
Residents believe that protecting these buffer zones is essential for the ecological health of Pune’s western corridor.
Maharashtra to Launch Unified Land Management Platform for Revenue Services
A Unified Land Management Platform (ULMP) will be implemented by the Maharashtra government to expedite land related procedures and revenue services throughout the state. The aim of this digital project is to create a single, easily navigable platform that will house various land records, revenue, and registration services.
Land records, revenue, and registration & stamp duty services are currently handled by different systems that citizens must navigate, which frequently causes delays and confusion. These systems will be integrated by the ULMP, offering a smooth experience for registering heirs, accessing land documents, monitoring application statuses, and getting advice on required paperwork and processes.
The platform, which was created by the National Informatics Centre (NIC), is anticipated to increase efficiency, decrease paperwork, and improve transparency for both citizens and public servants.
With the ULMP, Maharashtra aims to set a benchmark for digital governance by providing a land management service delivery model that is more open, effective, and user friendly for citizens.
Three bungalows near Lonavala, a well-known hill station close to Mumbai, are up for sale, and the RBI has opened bids. The properties have a combined reserve price of ₹6.65 crore, and prospective purchasers must deposit ₹10 lakh as earnest money.
Originally used as vacation rentals for RBI employees, these bungalows are located on more than 3,800 square meters of freehold land. Every bungalow is a ground-plus-one building. The properties are available for inspection by potential purchasers until September 8, 2025, and the deadline for submitting a bid is September 9, 2025.
The sale will be conducted on an “as is, where is” basis, and buyers will be responsible for clearing any pending taxes. Cushman & Wakefield India has been appointed as the property consultant to manage the sealed-bid process.
Lonavala continues to be a preferred destination for second homes, attracting investors from Mumbai, Pune, Gujarat, and NRIs. With prices as high as ₹15,000 per square foot, the area is renowned for its opulent villas and bungalows. Celebrities also favor the area's upscale real estate, underscoring its allure as a posh getaway.
Godrej Properties Acquires 7.8 Acre Land in Hyderabad for ₹547.75 Crore
Through an e-auction, Godrej Properties Ltd (GPL) successfully purchased a 7.825-acre land parcel in Hyderabad for ₹547.75 crore. The Telangana Housing Board carried out the acquisition, and the property was situated in the city's coveted residential district of Kukatpally (KPHB).
The site is ideally situated for high-end residential development due to its excellent road connectivity. Godrej Properties plans to use this property to increase its presence in Hyderabad's burgeoning real estate market.
The auction highlights the rising demand for residential plots in the city, with the land fetching a substantial price reflecting the ongoing upward trend in Hyderabad’s real estate sector. In order to maintain a balance between high-end development and social responsibility, the auction's proceeds will also go toward affordable housing projects funded by state programs.
Through this acquisition, Godrej Properties reaffirms its dedication to building premium residential projects in strategic urban areas and expands its footprint in Hyderabad.
The battle for control of Lavasa Corporation has intensified, with Valor Estates emerging as the top bidder after creditors allowed revised offers and extended the resolution timeline.
In the third round of bidding, Valor Estates offered ₹946 crore (NPV), outpacing rivals. The Welspun–Ashdan consortium followed with a bid of ₹845 crore (NPV), while the Yogayatan Group submitted an updated offer of ₹830 crore (NPV) despite earlier objections to bid revisions.
While Valor holds the highest bid, the Welspun consortium scored strongly on the evaluation matrix due to higher upfront cash, stronger institutional backing, and execution credibility.
The extended timeline has reinvigorated the resolution process, but challenges remain. There may be delays as a result of the Yogayatan Group's petition to the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) challenging the lenders' decision to accept new bids.
Once intended to be India's first planned hill city, Lavasa has long been mired in debt, hampered by regulations, and seen its development stall. Its ownership and chances of revival will be determined by the outcome of this bidding war.
Shendra Bidkin Industrial Area Approves New Land Allotments, Driving Growth and Jobs
The Shendra-Bidkin Industrial Area, part of the Aurangabad Industrial City (AURIC), has approved new land allotments that are set to boost industrial development, attract fresh investments, and generate employment opportunities in the region.
The latest approvals are expected to bring in investments of over ₹200 crore while creating nearly 1,000 new jobs. The projects span across sectors such as food processing, paper products, engineering, electronics, and metal casting—reflecting the area’s appeal to a diverse mix of industries.
Authorities evaluated proposals based on parameters like feasibility, land requirements, turnover, and expansion potential before granting allotments under priority and expansion categories. This open strategy guarantees that initiatives that support industrial diversification and sustainable growth receive the funding they require.
As the first greenfield smart industrial city in India, AURIC is enhancing its standing as a centre for contemporary, environmentally responsible, and carefully thought-out industrial development. The latest round of allotments further positions Shendra-Bidkin as a catalyst for regional economic growth, sustainability, and job creation.