Pune: Decades-Long Grievance Resolved: Pimpri Chinchwad Locals Get Justice with 12.5% Refund Approval

Pimpri Chinchwad, 11th March 2024: The longstanding issue of the pending 12.5% refund, unresolved for the past 40 years despite locals contributing their lands for the development of Pimpri Chinchwad city, has finally seen a resolution. The Maharashtra state government sealed this decision in a recent cabinet meeting, bringing a sense of satisfaction among the longstanding residents of the area. MLA Mahesh Landge played a crucial role in consistently advocating for the Bhoomiputras affected by land acquisition within the Pimpri Chinchwad New Town Development Authority (PCNTDA) limits during the legislative sessions.

In a landmark decision, the Cabinet meeting approved the return of PCNTDA, addressing a historical grievance. Between 1972 and 1983, the government announced compensation, offering an (FSI) equal to 66% of the land and 2 FSI to farmers who relinquished their land for development. Despite the announcement, the ordinance needed for the implementation had not been passed, causing discontent among the Bhoomiputras. With this recent development, the prolonged struggle spanning many years has finally borne fruit, bringing a sense of relief and satisfaction to the affected individuals.

MLA Landge has been consistently raising questions about justice rights and refunds for victims of PCNTDA in the legislative sessions between 2014 and 2019. In a meeting held on July 1, 2019, under the chairmanship of the then Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, it was decided to allocate 50% space and 50% FSI due to the insufficient available land in Pimpri-Chinchwad. This decision aimed to address the grievances of those affected by PCNTDA, with the directive that 6.2% of the developed area would be allotted to the landowners, by PCNTDA terms. Additionally, the return of such land would be accompanied by an index equivalent to 2 FSI, with corresponding amendments to the Development Control Rules of PCNTDA.

The issue of returning PCNTDA remained a prominent topic in the city’s political circles and a recurring campaign theme in various elections. However, MLA Lange’s persistent efforts have brought the matter to a resolution.

Bhosari BJP MLA Mahesh Landge stated, “Since 2014, we have been actively pursuing the concerns of 106 farmers affected by PCNTDA, which had been pending for the last 40 years, under the guidance of then Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. The decision taken in 2019, under the leadership of Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, to approve a 12.5% refund, including 6.5% land and 2.5% FSI for the affected farmers, has brought a resolution to this prolonged issue. Mahayuti expresses sincere gratitude to the government for this decision.”