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Welspun ONE will build a logistics park in Pune's TalegaonMaharashtra to Appoint Licensed Private Surveyors to Complete Land Measurement Work within 30 Days
The government of the Indian state, Maharashtra, has declared that it will employ authorised private land surveyors to complete land measurements within 30 days, which is considerably shorter than the earlier period of 90 to 120 days. Notably, it can be said that this move will bring about a landmark change in land administration. Notably, this move in land administration will help significantly lessen pending land measurement cases.
Clearing the Backlog with Speed and Technology
Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule described the move as “a revolutionary step in the history of the department. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has supported the initiative as part of broader reforms to strengthen land governance through technology and citizen-centric systems.
Government verification ensures that the data is correct.
The actual fieldwork will be done by private surveyors, whose measurements will be verified and signed by senior government functionaries at the level of Taluka Land Records Inspectors, Deputy Superintendents of Land Records, or City Survey Officers. This two-tier verification is a fast track that ensures correct and legally valid land measurement results.
The deployment of about 150 private surveyors in each district was a plan to support the rollout of this by the government, extending the survey capacity and solving the shortage of government survey staff that slows operations.
Broader Vision: More Transparent Land Records
The policy is also expected to support a long-term shift in how land transactions are handled. Officials are exploring a “measure first, register later” approach—where land is surveyed before a sale deed is executed and mutation entries are made. This will help prevent disputes caused by discrepancies between the sale deed descriptions and actual on-ground boundaries.
Effects on Investors and Citizens
Landowners, farmers, developers, and constructors are among those who will greatly benefit from the reform. Fast measurement services will
- Speed up real estate transactions
- Decrease border-related legal disputes
- Enhance trust in land records.
Conclusion
The state of Maharashtra is also proceeding with the modernisation of its land administration system by incorporating private certified surveyors for land measurement, with a defined 30-day timeframe to complete the task. The move not only seeks to clear past arrears but will also enhance convenience in matters concerning land.
Forest 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.
State Government Approves 8,015 Sq Ft Land on Senapati Bapat Road for Pune Press Club
The Maharashtra State Government has approved the allocation of 8,015 square feet of land on Senapati Bapat Road for the construction of a new Pune Press Club building, which is a major development for the city's media community. For journalists and media professionals operating throughout the city, this long-pending proposal represents a significant accomplishment.
A Big Boost for Media Infrastructure
For years, Pune’s press community has been functioning from limited facilities. The newly approved land parcel will allow the Press Club to create a modern, upgraded space that can support:
- Press conferences
- Media events
- Training programs
- Community and public dialogues
- Journalist welfare initiatives
Prime Location Selected
One of Pune's most strategically significant thoroughfares, Senapati Bapat Road, is where the allotted land is located. SB Road, which is well-known for its business, corporate, and cultural significance, also guarantees:
- Better connectivity for journalists
- Easy access for government officials & public figures attending media events
- A prestigious location for an institution representing the media community
- The location is also close to major government offices, educational institutions, news bureaus, and corporate headquarters.
Government Approval After Long Wait
The approval comes after years of follow-ups and representations by Pune’s press associations. Journalists have long stressed the need for a well-equipped press club that matches the growth of Pune as a major metropolitan and media centre.
The government’s decision reflects an acknowledgement of the key role played by the press in:
- public accountability
- information dissemination
- social dialogue
- strengthening democracy
Expected Impact
1. Journalists & Media Staff
2. Public & Administrative Systems
3. Real Estate & Local Economy
4. Civic Transparency
A Step Toward a Stronger Press Community
This approval is seen as a step in the right direction toward bolstering Pune's press institutions and assisting media professionals. Building planning, design approvals, and construction schedules will follow the finalisation of the land allocation.
Maharashtra Makes Land Records Fully Digital — A Big Win for Property Owners
The Maharashtra Revenue Department has made a landmark decision: digital land records such as the 7/12 extract, 8-A extract and mutation (ferfar) extracts will now be legally valid without requiring a physical signature or stamp from the village talathi. Instead, these documents will carry a digital signature, a QR code, and a unique 16-digit verification number.
What Does This Mean for Land Owners?
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Instant online access: Citizens can now download their land records from the official portal in just a few clicks — no need to visit the talathi’s office or wait in long queues. The records cost a nominal fee (₹15) for a digital extract.
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Legally valid documents: The digitally signed extracts are now accepted across all government departments, banks, courts, registration offices, and other authorities for official use.
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Better transparency & security: With digital verification features (signature + QR code + 16-digit ID), the scope of forgery or tampering is significantly reduced. It’s a move toward building a more trustworthy, corruption-resistant land record system.
Why The Change Was Needed
Traditionally, obtaining valid land records in Maharashtra meant physically visiting the talathi’s office—a process often plagued by delays, bureaucratic hassles, and, at times, unofficial middlemen. Manual signatures and stamps left room for tampering or fraudulent documents. Many property transactions got stuck or delayed due to outdated or unclear records.
What Titles & Extracts Are Covered
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7/12 extract (Satbara Utara) — the essential land record extract showing ownership and land-use status.
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8-A extract (also known as “Khata” in some regions) — summarises a landowner’s rights, liabilities, and revenue payment history.
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Mutation / Ferfar extract — records changes in ownership due to sale, inheritance, gift or other legal transfers.
Who Benefits from This Reform?
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Home-buyers and land investors — easier access to legit documentation without delays or paperwork hassles.
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Farmers and rural landowners — instant access to agricultural land records, reducing dependence on intermediaries.
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Banks, financial institutions, and courts make property verification easier for loans, disputes, and legal proceedings.
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General public — increased transparency and fewer chances of fake or forged documents.
What You Should Do Next If You Hold Land in Maharashtra
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Visit the official portal (e.g. the state’s land-records website, e.g., “MahaBhoomi”).
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Download your latest 7/12, 8-A or Mutation extract — costs just ₹15.
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Verify the digital signature, QR code and 16-digit code to confirm authenticity.
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Use these digital documents for bank loans, property transfer, registrations, legal work, etc.
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Keep digital copies safe — they are now legally valid and equivalent to physical documents under the new rules.
In a major shake-up for land buyers and investors, the Pune and wider Maharashtra authorities have tightened documentation requirements for the sale and registration of deals involving fragmented/small plots. This will put an end to decades of irregular and informal land dealings and protect buyers from legal and financial risks.
What’s Changed: New Mandatory Documents
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Affidavit & Zone Certificate compulsorily required: Under the newly implemented amendments, sale deeds for small or previously fragmented plots must include a valid zone certificate confirming the land's approved use and an affidavit confirming that all legal and regulatory norms are met.
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Strict verification before registration: Sub-registrars in the Pune district have been instructed not to register any land transactions without the property card and updated 7/12 extract.
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Fragmentation-related legal changes: Recently, the state government repealed or relaxed portions of the “Fragmentation and Consolidation of Holdings Act” in urban and semi-urban zones, thereby making many small parcels legal.
Together, the steps turn what was often an informal or risky purchase into a more regulated, safer investment — but only if all documents are in order.
Why This Matters for Buyers & Investors
The reforms carry several advantages — and also new responsibilities for anyone buying land or plots:
- Clear, verifiable title deeds
- Protection from illegal or grey-area deals
- Better resale & development potential
- Regularisation for long-term security
Who This Impacts
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First-time purchasers of plots
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Investors in Pune's surrounding semi-urban areas
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Regularising previous land transactions
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Developers looking for well-documented, clean plots
Final Word
The new regulations have, therefore, made buying land in Pune and Maharashtra all the more transparent and secure. Proper verification, clean documentation, and understanding of zoning rules can save buyers from long-term legal and financial issues. A good development for serious investors, but also a reason why due diligence is more important than ever.
Source - Punekar News
Pune’s Big Clean-Up: Over 300 Illegal Resorts Demolished Near Dam Zones ( Khadakwasla- Panshet Belt)
Pune recently saw one of the biggest environmental protection drives in this part of the country when over 300 illegal resorts, hotels, and commercial structures built around Khadakwasla, Panshet, Pavana, and Kasarsai dam belts were razed by the authorities. The drive is a significant moment in the city's attempt to restore water safety, protect natural resources, and maintain the ecological balance of its dam catchment areas.
Why This Crackdown Was Needed
Over the years, unauthorised commercial development in the dam areas has grown at a fast pace. With breathtaking views and correspondingly high tourist demand, many businesses sprouted up with resorts, hotels, and recreational facilities, often without permits, on restricted land, or in violation of environmental laws.
These constructions posed serious threats:
- Untreated sewage and waste enter the waters of the dam.
- Either way, pollution is affecting the quality of Pune's drinking water supply.
- Soil erosion and ecological disturbance
- Increased tourist flow is detrimental to the fragile environment.
Water from the catchment areas of these dams supplies a major part of Pune and nearby regions. Any contamination directly affects public health, farming, and the city's water security.
The government launched a coordinated interdepartmental action that involved:
- The Water Resources Department
- Revenue officials
- Local municipal bodies
- Police teams
- Heavy equipment operators
It was a campaign of demolitions characterised by speed and precision: many of these structures were big business establishments that needed excavators, cranes, and transport vehicles for safe dismantling.
Undeterred by the resistance from some of the property owners, the administration continued the operation uninterruptedly. It was crystal clear: no compromise while protecting the water sources.
Quick Benefits:
Relief has finally come to the catchment belt with the removal of over 300 illegal structures. Authorities have succeeded in:
- Reduced pollution risks
- Prevented further sewage discharge into reservoirs
- Restored natural drainage patterns
- Improved ecological balance
A Strong Message Against Encroachment
The scale of the operation shows that the government intends to reclaim all restricted zones, especially those linked to critical public resources such as dams, rivers, and forests.
Landowners, developers, and commercial operators in sensitive zones have been given a final warning: illegal building, no matter how lucrative, will not be tolerated.
Impact on Local Communities
It's a loss for some of the local businesses that depend on it for their livelihood. But larger stakes are involved in this long-term equation: preservation of clean water sources and a sustainable environment ensures better living conditions for generations to come.
Additionally, legal businesses and compliant eco-tourism ventures will profit from a cleaner and more regulated environment.
What This Means for Pune’s Future
This drive is much more than an administrative action-it is a pointer to the fact that environmental stewardship has turned out to be very key for a swelling metropolis like Pune. This is all the more important when natural resources in urban growth are sought to be protected.
Authorities are expected to:
- Enhance patrols in sensitive areas
- Apply more restrictive permissions regarding commercial activity.
- Promote sustainable, controlled tourism.
- Engaging local communities in conservation efforts
Conclusion
Demolishing over 300 such illegal structures near the dam catchment areas is an important step to protect the city's water supply and environmental health. The drive restores ecological balance and reduces pollution while emphasising compliance with environmental laws. Such actions would help to ensure that development remains sustainable and responsible as the city continues to grow.
Source- Punekar News