PCB thumbs down Dastur schools’ trust plans

PUNE, Feb 3: The Pune Cantonment Board (PCB) has resolved to reject the plans submitted by Sardar Dastur Schools Trust seeking the demoli...

PUNE, Feb 3: The Pune Cantonment Board (PCB) has resolved to reject the plans submitted by Sardar Dastur Schools Trust seeking the demolition of the bungalow on its premises and constructing a three-storeyed building in its place. The school, located on Bungalow No 1, Lt Col Tarapore Road, had sought permission for the construction of a stilt plus the three upper storeyed building consisting of classrooms and an assembly hall.

The matter grew controversial when Roshan Frechman, the bungalow’s tenant for 30 years, had written a letter to the cantonment board objecting to the plan on the grounds that the board had not taken her into confidence before going ahead with the plans.

The site is outside the notified civil area and is under the jurisdiction of Defence Estates Officer (DEO) who has given a no objection’ certificate under Section 131 of the Cantonments Act, 1924.

The designated committee who inspected the site felt that the party had not shown the site position on the plans and therefore recommended not to sanction the plans in their present form. However, the board has recommended the composition of the unauthorised construction carried out in Bishop’s School located on Bungalow No 2, Stavely Road. The school’s principal submitted an application to the cantonment board for regularisation of the unauthorised deviations to the sanctioned plans. The cost towards the unauthorised constructions is Rs. 9.81 lakh. The designated committee which inspected the site recommended to forward the composition proposal to the competent authority for approval on the imposition of a composition of 10 per cent on the construction cost.