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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
CM Devendra Fadnavis suspends the ₹750-crore TDR proposal for Janata Vasahat Land in Pune and orders an investigation.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has ordered an inquiry and suspended the ₹750-crore Transferable Development Rights (TDR) proposal concerning Janata Vasahat land in Pune.
The move follows a complaint by Minister of State Madhuri Misal, pointing out major irregularities in the SRA compensation process. Fadnavis has directed the Additional Chief Secretary of the Housing Department to conduct a probe into the matter in detail.
The SRA had proposed a one-time TDR to a private developer for more than 40 acres of land in exchange for the Janata Vasahat slum. However, there were discrepancies in the valuation: while the proposal estimated the land value at ₹750 crore, its official reassessment pegged it around ₹109 crore.
Officials said that the authorities misused the earlier land records and ready reckoner rates in making the inflated compensation calculation. The court has stayed all the proceedings with regard to the proposal pending an inquiry.
Madhuri Misal, confirming the decision of the Chief Minister, said the action would ensure transparency in the redevelopment process for Janata Vasahat and safeguard public resources.
Maharashtra Govt Rejects Lease Renewal of Jeejeebhoy Trust Land in Mumbai
The Jeejeebhoy Trust's land lease for two plots in the Mazgaon neighbourhood of Mumbai has not been renewed by the Maharashtra government. The state revenue department made the decision in response to anomalies in the lease renewal payment procedure.
According to officials, the trust held leasehold rights over two government-owned plots — one measuring about 725.76 square metres and another approximately 9,154.10 square metres. The renewal payment was allegedly made into government accounts by Ekya Realty Pvt Ltd, a private company, instead of the trust.
Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule ordered that the amount deposited irregularly by the trust or the developer be refunded immediately. He stated that if the trust submits a fresh lease renewal application, it will be reviewed as per government policy.
Earlier, a government resolution dated September 24, 2025, had allowed for the refund and permitted renewal, and the refund process is already underway.
Shiv Sena (UBT) MLC Sachin Ahir raised the issue, alleging that certain business entities were attempting to acquire the government land under the pretext of the trust. He demanded that the state take possession of the properties, auction them, and decide on their future development.
Zepto's "10-Minute Land" Offer: A Blend of Real Estate and Fast Commerce
India’s quick-commerce pioneer Zepto has taken its “10-minute delivery” model far beyond groceries — into real estate. The company recently announced a partnership with The House of Abhinandan Lodha (HoABL) to allow users to browse and book plots of land via the Zepto app, promising the entire process can be completed in about ten minutes.
This campaign, launched around Janmashtami, marks a bold step in redefining how fast high-value purchases can happen in India’s digital ecosystem.
How Does the “10-Minute Land” Model Work?
The process is designed to mimic Zepto’s signature delivery experience — but for land:
- Users open the Zepto app and search for “land.”
- Listings from HoABL projects appear, showing plot locations and pricing.
- Interested buyers can reserve their chosen land by paying a token amount online.
Within minutes, confirmation and documentation follow through secure digital channels.
While this doesn’t mean the entire property transaction is completed in ten minutes, the initial booking and reservation process is now lightning-fast — a symbolic nod to Zepto’s identity.
Why Is Zepto Entering Real Estate?
- Brand Expansion Beyond Groceries: Zepto wants to stand out in the rapidly changing quick-commerce market by focusing on high-value, experience-driven industries.
- Appeal to Millennial Investors: Younger consumers are more receptive to digital-first investments, including real estate, because they are accustomed to instant gratification.
- Marketing Innovation: The “10-minute land” tagline has generated massive buzz, aligning Zepto with speed, innovation, and convenience in every sphere.
The Challenge of Fast-Tracking Real Estate
Buying land isn’t as simple as ordering groceries — and that’s where the complexity lies.
- Regulatory obstacles:Title checks, verification, and documentation are necessary for real estate transactions and cannot be omitted.
- Risks to transparency:Traditional procedures are still required for the legal completion process, even though Zepto's platform may manage discovery and token payments.
- Scalability issues: At the moment, this service is only available for a few HoABL projects in areas like Vrindavan and Neral; the viability of extending to additional cities will rely on regulatory considerations.
Mahindra Lifespace Acquires 13.46-Acre Land Parcel in Pune for ₹3,500 Crore Housing Project
In order to build a massive residential project with an estimated GDV gross development value of ₹3,500 crore, Mahindra Lifespace Developers Ltd., the real estate and infrastructure development division of the Mahindra Group, has acquired a 13.46-acre plot of land in Pune.
The new land is located in Nande–Mahalunge, one of Pune’s most promising growth corridors connecting Hinjewadi, Baner, and Balewadi. The acquisition reinforces Mahindra Lifespace’s focus on expanding its footprint in high-demand urban micro-markets with strong infrastructure potential.
A Strategic Location in Pune’s Western Corridor
The Nande–Mahalunge area has rapidly emerged as a real-estate hotspot in recent years, thanks to its proximity to key employment hubs such as Hinjewadi IT Park, Baner, and Balewadi High Street. It is also part of the PMRDA Town Planning Scheme, which will further enhance road networks and civic infrastructure.
Mahindra Lifespace’s new project will benefit from these infrastructural developments, offering easy access to the Mumbai–Bengaluru Expressway, Pune Metro, and proposed ring road connectivity, making it a well-connected and desirable address for future homebuyers.
₹3,500 Crore Project with Premium Residential Focus
Industry estimates suggest the development could include a mix of 2, 3 and 4 BHK configurations, following Mahindra Lifespace’s consistent approach of integrating sustainability, open spaces, and green architecture in all its projects.
A GDV of ₹3,500 crore places this among the company’s largest projects in western India, signalling strong confidence in Pune’s luxury housing demand.
The soon-to-be-completed joint survey work of the proposed Purandar Greenfield International Airport near Pune is a significant milestone toward the completion of the much-awaited project.
The government of Maharashtra wants to finish land acquisition by the end of this year, and construction tenders are likely to be invited in the first quarter of 2026. The airport is expected to be about 40 km away from Pune city and will have two parallel runways, each measuring 4,000 x 60 meters, and will be able to accommodate 75 million passengers annually. Once up and running, it is anticipated that it will cater to Pune along with western and central Maharashtra, greatly enhancing regional connectivity and economic development.
The concurrent measurement process spans seven villages reserved for the airport area: Kumbharvalan, Pargaon Memane, Khanwadi, Ekhatpur, Rajewadi, Munjwadi, and Udachiwadi. MADC officials and the district administration have been observing the process carefully in order to maintain transparency and coordination with the local villagers.
The government has noted that the compensation and rehabilitation process would be done in a fair and transparent manner to address farmers' concerns as well as ensure hassle-free implementation of the project.