Development Plan decision in a month,Chavan promises Pune

Chavan said,“The decision has been pending. It is important for the plan to be finalised and we will try to arrive on a decision in a month’s time.”

Ajit Pawar virtually prodded the CM to make the promise. He said,“Pune city’s DP has been pending for long with the state government. We had approached two chief ministers for its early approval. Now in front of Puneites,I urge you to take action in the matter on priority,” he said.

Pawar said that even though media reports stated that the NCP had a difference in opinion over the DP in its present form,he said,“I want to clarify that we want the state government to arrive at a decision immediately and we would like it to happen before September. Issues like the metro,BDP and ring road should be taken into consideration.”

Speaking on the need for the plan to be sanctioned,Congress city president Abhay Chhajed said,“In the last five to six years,there have been three CMs. The CM has had a talk with stakeholders in the city. It will be good for the development of these 23 villages as they will be provided with amenities on the basis of population. Also,the plan will make sure a lot more land is available for housing.”

Chavan also assured those present that he would also look into the Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) scheme on PMC-owned plots.

Civic activists keeping in view the city’s growth in future,said the DP submitted to the government in 2005 needed early approval for implementation. Activists also said that it has now become mandatory for the state government to approve the DP in less than four-and-a-half-year following an amendment to the Maharashtra Regional Town Planning (MRTP) Act of 1966.

‘Will give similar schools a push’

The CM and the deputy CM spoke of the need for more schools like RGAEL in the state. The school has been designed by corporator Aba Bagul and Rs 15 crore has been invested in it. The school is meant for students from economically weaker sections of society. “In the age where we are slowly becoming dependent on technology for everything,such schools are important. However,it is also important for these schools to maintain themselves. We are ready to provide help to such schools as it is for the greater good of children,” said Pawar.