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How to Find Undervalued Land That Delivers High Returns: A Comprehensive Research GuidePune’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
Suhana Khan, daughter of Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, is reportedly under legal investigation following her purchase of agricultural land in Thal village, Alibaug, Maharashtra. The property was registered under Deja Vu Farm Private Limited, a business connected to Suhana's family, and was purchased in May 2023 for ₹12.91 crore from the Khote family of Mumbai's Cuffe Parade. During the transaction, she paid ₹77.46 lakh in stamp duty.
The dispute arises due to the status of the land: it was initially granted by the Maharashtra government in 1968 to be used for agriculture and had a 'no-sale' term attached to it. State policy dictates that farmers cannot buy agricultural land until they get permission from the District Collector. The authorities have questioned the validity of the transaction, stating that Suhana had been registered as a 'farmer' in the records.
Legal professionals have opined that the sale may be against land transfer rules, and there are demands for more legal action. The news follows Suhana as she gets set to make her Bollywood acting debut in King, sharing the screen with her dad, and adds to her expanding body of brand endorsement deals with firms such as Maybelline and Lux.
The probe is underway, and more information is awaited.
Sources: India Times, Times of India, Samaa TV, Mathrubhumi English
PMRDA Takes Action Against Illegal Plotting in Charholi Khurd Khed Taluka What Homebuyers Should Know
PMRDA- Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority has started a strong action against illegal land plotting in Charholi Khurd, near Pune. This step is mainly to protect common people, especially middle-class families, from buying plots that are not legal.
What is Illegal Plotting?
Illegal plotting means dividing agricultural land into small plots without taking proper government permissions. These plots are sold for housing, but they do not have official approvals, maps, or basic infrastructure. As a result, people who buy such land face problems later—like not getting permission to build, or losing t heir money if the land is taken back by the government.
What Has PMRDA Done?
PMRDA, under the leadership of its Commissioner, has worked with the police to stop such illegal activities. They have taken action against some developers in Charholi Khurd by removing internal roads, boundary walls, and fences built without permission.
Concern for Buyers
This action has worried many people who already bought such plots, thinking everything was legal. Local leaders have asked PMRDA to give these buyers a chance to explain their situation. They also requested that the government think about ways to regularize these plots so that honest buyers don't suffer.
What Should Buyers Do Before Buying Land?
If you are planning to buy land, especially in areas around Pune, keep these tips in mind:
- Check for NA (Non-Agricultural) Permission: Only buy plots that have this permission.
- Approved Layout Map: Ask for the layout plan approved by PMRDA or the local authority.
- Talk to the Authorities: Visit the PMRDA office or municipal office to check if the land is legal.
- Take Legal Help: Always consult a lawyer before making a big investment like buying land.
Buying a home or plot is a big dream for many families. That’s why it’s important to be careful and well-informed. A little effort before buying can save a lot of trouble later.
Source: Pune Mirror
Pune Ring Road Project Seeks Additional ₹1,220 Crore for Land Acquisition
The Pune Ring Road Project, a large infrastructure initiative aimed at decongesting Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad, requires an additional ₹1,220 crore to finalise the land acquisition. The 169-kilometre road will provide smooth connectivity with national highways and divert heavy vehicles off city roads to enhance overall traffic flow.
To date, approximately 90% of the required land is in hand, with the western part virtually complete at 97% and the eastern part at 84%. The extra money is deemed critical to provide equitable compensation to landowners and avoid project time slippage.
Once built, the ring road should greatly improve connectivity, shorten travel times, and support the region's expanding infrastructure requirements. To maintain the momentum and see the project finished on time, the requested funds must be released in a timely manner.
Maharashtra Government Approves 70 Acres for IIM Nagpur’s Pune Campus
In a major boost to higher education in Maharashtra, the state government has approved the allocation of 70 acres of grazing land in Moshi, Pimpri-Chinchwad, for the establishment of a satellite campus of IIM Nagpur. Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule confirmed that the land transfer process is already underway and will be completed shortly.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis welcomed the decision, emphasising the importance of expanding premier educational institutions, such as IIMs, across the country to support national development. The Pune campus will mark a first for IIMs by offering a flagship program in data science and management outside its main campus.
Strategically located near key industrial hubs, including Chakan, Talegaon, Ranjangaon MIDCs, and the Hinjewadi IT Park, the Moshi site offers excellent connectivity and infrastructure. The new campus will replicate IIM Nagpur’s main campus facilities, including an incubation centre and part-time courses designed for working professionals.
IIM Nagpur Director Bhimaraya Metri highlighted that the Pune campus is part of the institute’s broader expansion plans, which also include future campuses in Goa, Hyderabad, and Singapore.
Sources: Times of India
Punekar News
MyPunePulse
The Bridge Chronicle
Maharashtra to Map Subdivided Land Plots in 18 Talukas Under Pilot Project
The Maharashtra Land Records Department has launched a pilot project to measure and map subdivided land plots (sub-holdings) in selected areas of the state.
Over the years, many plots have been informally subdivided, creating mismatches between the 7/12 land ownership document and official cadastral maps. The project aims to record these subdivisions accurately.
A total of 18 talukas across six revenue divisions have been chosen for the initiative, including Pune, Palghar, Raigad, Thane, Solapur, Sangli, Dhule, Jalgaon, Chandrapur, and Kolhapur.
The work will be executed by private agencies, which are currently being finalised through a tendering process.