Mallika Dureja
Pune: The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has rescinded a previous circular, permitting construction within 50 metres of military installations and boosting the real estate market.
The latest order permits the construction of proposed structures, primarily high-rises, on more than 100 hectares of land near Pune’s military installations.
A circular issued by the Department of Defense on December 23, 2022 imposed various restrictions on constructions within 50 metres of military structures. According to the guidelines, all army establishments in Pune, including Aundh, Khadki, Pimpri, Khadakwasla, Manjri, and the Balance Locations of Talegaon, were identified. Up to fifty metres from the outer wall of such defence establishments or installations, security restrictions were enforced.
The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) informed the Ministry of Defence of the negative effects of the order in a letter.
In its new order dated February 23, the approvals have been entrusted to the appropriate authority. “It has been determined that the referenced MoD letter will be held in abeyance pending further orders. The new order, signed by Sharmistha Maitra, Director of Lands, reads, “This issues with the sanction of the competent authority.”
PMC city engineer Prashant Waghmare praised the order, stating that it will benefit numerous Pune-based initiatives.
“The Defense issued a new circular on February 23 and suspended its previous order for the No Objection Certificate (NoC) for building construction,” Waghmare explained. The new order, according to city officials, will benefit initiatives spanning 400 acres of land.
In addition to three cantonments (Pune, Khadki, and Dehu), Pune is home to the Southern Command’s headquarters and sensitive military installations.
Pune has a funnel zone for two military airports, Lohegaon and National Defense Academy (NDA), Khadakwasla.
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Due to these two airports, numerous restrictions exist. Air Force authorization is required for passage through the funnel zone.
Numerous municipal officials and architects assert that it takes between six and twelve months to obtain the Air Force NOC for building permission.
According to architect Pravin Joshi, it has become more challenging to perform any work near military installations.
There are military installations in and around Pune. Southern Command, Military Engineering College, High Energy Materials Research Laboratory
