Govt forms panel to re-survey flood lines across state, examine TDR relief for properties facing redevelopment hurdles

Pune: State govt has constituted a 12-member committee to undertake a re-survey of river flood lines across Maharashtra, including in Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad, almost a year after assuring the assembly of the same. The panel has been asked to submit its report within two months. Govt also directed the committee to review existing norms and recommend whether amendments were required in the Unified Development Control and Promotion Regulations (UDCPR) to allow use of transfer of development rights (TDR), particularly for properties located within flood lines but constructed prior to the irrigation department's demarcation in 2009.
A significant number of properties — especially in Pimpri Chinchwad — were built before the demarcation 17 years ago. Though these structures are legal, redevelopment remained stalled as developers are unwilling to take up projects where TDR cannot be utilised under prevailing rules. The panel comprises officials from the town planning, environment, irrigation, and relief and rehabilitation departments, along with municipal commissioners of Pimpri Chinchwad, Kolhapur, and Chandrapur, where the issue is more acute and affects a sizeable population. The issue was raised in the Assembly in March last year by Chinchwad BJP MLA Shankar Jagtap, following which the govt assured a statewide re-survey. "The decision is a major relief for citizens of Pimpri Chinchwad and the rest of the state. For years, the pending issue created hurdles in building permissions and redevelopment. The fresh survey will bring clarity to the rules and remove confusion," Jagtap said, adding that CM Devendra Fadnavis had promised a re-survey during the civic election campaign earlier this year and he fulfilled the same by issuing an order to form the panel. Residents said at least 124 housing societies in Chinchwad alone, many built 30-40 years ago, are facing redevelopment hurdles due to their location within the demarcated flood lines. While welcoming the move, some questioned the composition of the panel. Yogesh Rane, a member of Chinchwad Housing Societies and Apartments — an association of 124 such affected societies — said the committee comprises only administrative officers. "The govt should include public representatives and experts from citizens' groups. The flood line issue itself arose from administrative decisions, so there is concern whether the same system can deliver an effective solution," he said, adding that the report should comprise the relief residents are seeking. Environmental activists termed the decision long overdue, alleging that the existing flood lines were marked unscientifically. Activist Sarang Yadwadkar said he approached the National Green Tribunal in 2014, which directed the state to redraw the flood lines, but no action was taken. "While the move is welcome, the govt must not permit additional TDR or FSI usage for properties already located within flood lines, as that would increase flood risk. Instead, a rehabilitation plan and township-based relocation for authorised properties should be considered," he said, adding that there are thousands of such authorised structures in each city across the state. Yadwadkar said the whole world is already facing a major challenge due to climate change, which increased flood risk; hence, the structures already located in the flood lines should be relocated away, and the residents should be rehabilitated to a safe location.