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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
Maharashtra to Rope in Private Agencies for Faster Land Measurement
The Maharashtra government is getting ready to assign private, licensed organisations to help with land measurement prior to registration to speed up real estate transactions. Growing backlogs at taluka-level land records offices are anticipated to be addressed by this initiative, which is based on procedures already in place in other states.
Why the Move?
Currently, land measurement often takes over ten days, creating bottlenecks for citizens looking to register sale deeds. By involving trained private surveyors, the state aims to ease this pressure while keeping final validation and record entry under the official land records department.
How It Will Work
Private agencies will carry out measurements as per government guidelines.
Their reports will be submitted to the department for validation before being recorded in the official system.
The pilot phase is planned for Pune, Nashik, and Thane, followed by statewide expansion.
To strengthen the process, the government also plans to purchase 1,232 modern surveying instruments worth ₹220 crore.
A Larger Modernisation Drive
This action is consistent with the ongoing land governance reforms in Maharashtra. To address decades-old disparities in survey records, a statewide land measurement campaign is already in progress. The drive includes:
By September 30, 2025, village locations throughout the state will be mapped.
utilising cutting-edge technology like rovers, drones, and GIS.
For affordability, survey fees will be lowered to ₹200 per plot.
Within two years, a "survey before registry" requirement ought to be put into place to ensure accuracy and avoid disagreements.
Anticipated Advantages
- Faster Process: When it comes to sale deed registrations, citizens can anticipate shorter wait times.
- Transparency: The government retains ultimate authority, guaranteeing the accuracy of records.
- Decreased Disputes: Inconsistencies in boundaries will be addressed by modern mapping.
- Efficiency Boost: Technology-led surveying will support scalability for future needs.
NeoLiv Acquires 17.5 Acre Land Parcel in Khopoli for Premium Plotted Development
NeoLiv, the fund-led residential development platform, has made a significant advancement in its expansion by acquiring a 17.5-acre plot of land in Khopoli, Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). With a planned value of ₹150 crore, the project is a high-end plotted development that will provide buyers with a combination of contemporary living and natural surroundings.
A Strategic Location Advantage
The project, which is located in the Panvel–Khalapur–Khopoli corridor, benefits from strong connectivity and robust infrastructure growth. Khopoli is set to become a bustling residential centre thanks to the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport and the Mumbai Trans-Harbour Link (Atal Setu). The site is a promising option for both investors and homebuyers because of its close proximity to Imagicaa Theme Park, which enhances its lifestyle and recreational appeal.
Project Highlights
NeoLiv’s Khopoli development will span 0.36 million square feet (gross saleable area) and include a curated mix of residential plots, villas, and modern lifestyle amenities. A world-class clubhouse and expansive green landscapes are envisioned to create a community that resonates with today’s demand for open, sustainable, and aspirational living.
Backed by Expertise and Trust
NeoLiv, founded by Mohit Malhotra, former CEO of Godrej Properties, operates on a fund-led model supported by institutional investors and UHNIs through SEBI-registered AIFs. The developer has already delivered strong results with its earlier projects—Kundli-Sonipat Grand Park, which sold out 263 plots worth over ₹300 crore, and a luxury housing venture in Alibaug with an estimated ₹400 crore sales potential.
New Mahabaleshwar: A Rare Land Opportunity in a Growing Hill Station
The New Mahabaleshwar Hill Station Project is one of Maharashtra’s most exciting initiatives to develop tourism and boost the local economy. Spread across 235 villages in Satara, Jaoli, Patan, and Mahabaleshwar, this area lies in the ecologically rich Western Ghats, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The region is famous for its green forests, waterfalls, hills, and valleys, making it a top choice for leisure, adventure, and religious tourism.
The Maharashtra government is taking major steps to develop New Mahabaleshwar, including building roads, electricity, water supply, and public amenities. Plans also include housing, commercial areas, gardens, recreational zones, and institutional facilities, ensuring a well-planned, sustainable growth of the region. With the government promoting tourism through public-private partnerships, this area is set to see rapid development and high-value appreciation in the coming years.
Why Investing Here Makes Sense
- High Future Appreciation: Over time, land and property values will rise due to government-supported infrastructure and tourism initiatives.
- The Prime Location: It is appealing for vacation homes and resorts because it is close to major highways and has good access to urban centres.
- Eco-Friendly Development: Long-term value is added by balanced development, which guarantees the preservation of biodiversity and natural beauty.
- Various Investment Options: Land can be turned into vacation residences, resorts, or resale plots.
Investing in plots in this area today can be a rare opportunity for buyers to secure land in a promising and growing hill station before the region reaches its full potential.
Seize the opportunity now — New Mahabaleshwar is set to become one of Maharashtra’s most sought-after destinations for tourism and investment.
The Purandar International Airport project has been revised with land acquisition reduced from 7,000 acres to 3,000 acres. Farmers willing to give land can submit consent letters from August 25 within a 21-day window. In addition to receiving four times the market value in compensation, they will also get 10% of the land that was turned over back as developed plots in the future Aerocity. The airport's passenger and cargo facilities will remain part of this scaled-down plan, and the land acquisition process should be finished in the next six to eight months.
Key Takeaways:
Land acquisition cut by more than 50%, from 7,000 to 3,000 acres
Farmers can submit consent within a 21-day window starting August 25
Compensation includes 4x market value + 10% land returned as developed plots
The revised plan still supports passenger and cargo operations.
Land acquisition expected to be completed in 6–8 months
Source: Punekar News
District Collector of Pune has ordered expedited land acquisition for important road projects
Officials have been instructed by Pune District Collector Jitendra Dudi to expedite the acquisition of land for several significant road and infrastructure projects in the district. To guarantee efficient and timely project execution, the Collector presided over a review meeting where the decision was made.
Projects Identified for Fast-Track Acquisition
National Highways
NH‑60: Bhimashankar – Talegharwadi – Rajgurunagar
NH‑61: Bankar Phata – Junnar – Ghodegaon – Taleghar
NH‑761 widening: Belhe – Alkuti, Nighoje – Ralegaon – Therpal
NH‑548D widening: Belhe – Alkuti – Nighoje – Ralegaon – Therpal
Mahad – Pandharpur Road
Bhor – Varandha Ghat stretch
Nashik Phata – Khed Elevated Corridor
Urban Development and PMRDA Projects
Pune Inner Ring Road
Chakan Outer Bypass to reduce traffic congestion
15-metre service road in use
12-metre service roads flanking Navale Bridge, Narhe
Industrial and MIDC Areas
Chakan Phase 5
Connecting roads in Talegaon Industrial Areas (Phases 2, 4 & 5)
Vehangav Industrial Area
Proposed Bhor – Utroli – Vadgaon Dal Industrial Belt
Kurkumbh (Patas) Industrial Area
Power Transmission Projects
765 kV Shikrapur–Babhaleshwar–Pune–Shirur line
Babhaleshwar–Kadus–Junnar–Ambegaon line
Actions and Guidance for Execution
Collector Dudi gave clear instructions to guarantee prompt and open execution:
Finish any outstanding land surveys as soon as possible, with police support if needed.
Obtaining farmer consent should come first when acquiring land in a transparent manner.
To speed up procedures, assist landowners in negotiations by utilising Transferable Development Rights (TDR).
Address departmental bottlenecks immediately to maintain project schedules.
Source- Pune Pulse