Pune Cantonment Excision Proposal Sparks Security Concerns from Local Military Authority, Advocates For Maintaining 1 FSI

Mubarak Ansari & Sumit Singh

Pune, 10th March 2024: Pune Cantonment Board (PCB) has proposed the excision of civil areas within its limits, triggering concerns from the Local Military Authority (LMA) over the delicate balance between urban development and national security. The Station Commander emphasized the need for FSI restrictions during discussions with the Ministry of Defence (MoD) to address security concerns, highlighting key points in a letter dated March 6, 2024.

Concerns Raised by LMA:

Security: The primary concern is the security of Pune Cantonment.
FSI Restriction: Urges controlled development with a consensus of ‘No Excision without FSI Restriction.’
Road Closure: Proposes designated pockets with road closures for maintaining homogeneity.
Traffic Management: Recommends State Government management for roads under excision with civilian traffic.
Construction Restrictions: Advocates restrictions and NOC requirements near A-1 & A-2 lands.
Retention of Assets: Specifies retaining the Slaughter House and Trenching Ground under Pune Cantonment management.
Land Exchange: Proposes exchanging vacant C land and A-1 pockets with the State Government for Equivalent Value Infrastructure (EVI).
Historical Perspective:
Established in 1817 for the British Indian Army, Pune Cantonment has grown substantially and now faces transformation due to evolving development guidelines from the Ministry of Defence.

Details of Excision Proposal:
The plan involves handing over Sadar Bazar, Ghorpuri Bazar, and Wanowarie Bazar to the Pune Municipal Corporation with specific FSI restrictions to ensure security.

Other Modalities & Recommendations:
Modalities include transfer of ownership, road closures, asset retention, and protection of Cantonment Board employees’ services post-excision.

Land & Assets:
The proposal outlines transfer of propriety rights to the State Government, with flexibility in reallocating lands. Cantonment Board employees’ services and civic services will be protected post-excision.

Road Management & Traffic:
Responsibilities for road networks shift post-excision, with specific roads suggested for closure to control access and address security concerns.

Litigations:
Litigation cases in the excised area become the responsibility of the State Government / State Municipality.

Pensioners:
Pension liability transfers with employees, with the remaining liability resting with the Cantonment Board or the organization where pensioners are absorbed.

FSI Guidelines / Restrictions:
Current FSI restrictions in Pune Cantonment remain post-excision for security reasons.