Pune: Paranjape Constructions Faces Heat Over Bhugaon's Forest Trails Township Issue
Around 2,000 families residing in the Forest Trails Township in Pune's Bhugaon have been trying to seek justice against the alleged wrongdoing by the developer. The residents alleged that all this is being done in collusion with government officers and the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA).
Uday Kulkarni, a former Army officer and a resident of the township, has alleged irregularities, illegalities and fraudulent practices by the developer. He submitted a detailed complaint to the PMRDA. The complaint highlights major issues ranging from encroachment on common roads, failure to provide a stable power supply, lack of green spaces, misuse of social housing provisions, misleading advertisements, environmental violations and regularisation of illegal constructions.
Kulkarni claims that despite multiple complaints and hearings, PMRDA has failed to take concrete action against the Project Proponent (PP). “We do not have a steady power supply as there is no separate power substation for the township. There is hardly any green space left. The entire project is spread across 190 acres, of which at least 36 acres should have been reserved for gardens, parks, lawns and green cover. But in reality, the entire township has only one acre of green cover; the rest of the space is concreted and buildings are being erected. The builder is taking the residents for a ride. Also, certain permissions were sanctioned by PMRDA. We want transparency, accountability and strict action against the developers and officials involved. PMRDA should revoke sanctions granted to the project, stop further sales and initiate legal proceedings based on the evidence provided.”
SP Shukla, former Finance Secretary, Government of India and former Ambassador to GATT, who is also a resident of the township, pointed out, “We demand immediate removal of encroachments, restoration of green spaces and gardens, stable power supply with compensation for residents, adherence to environmental clearance conditions, and a stop-work order on further construction until compliance with laws is ensured.”
Paranjape Constructions say false allegation
Speaking to The Free Press Journal, Shashank Paranjape of Paranjape Constructions, the developer of the township, said, “There are only a few sets of people who are harassing me and making false allegations. We will file a criminal defamation case against those who are targeting our reputation. I can say that this township project will be one of the best among the 220 projects we have completed. We have a vision, and one half of the township is already completed while the other half is under construction. The residents are happy, and I stay in this township because this is the best project. I agree there is a power shortage issue, and we are laying a 9 km long power supply line. Our area comes under a gram panchayat, so I cannot build a separate electric substation in the township, as it is completely overseen by MSEDCL. However, we have provided the basic infrastructure as per the guidelines of the Township Act. No rules have been violated. Green cover is present. We have planted around 35,000 trees and continue to plant more every year. This place is full of greenery. We have provided water and all the amenities that were supposed to be provided. We have also kept a land parcel for a hospital. These are just baseless allegations trying to ruin our reputation.”
Meanwhile, a PMRDA official, on the condition of anonymity, said, “We have received the complaint, and an inspection was also conducted at the start of the year. We will be thoroughly investigating the complaint. An inspection was planned on Friday, but it got cancelled due to some last-minute changes. But surely, the matter will be looked into.”
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