PCMC seeks 6-month extension after failing to start hearings on draft DP objections

Pune: The Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) has sought a six-month extension to complete hearings and other formalities related to the city’s draft Development Plan (DP), as the civic body is yet to constitute a panel to hear objections nearly a year after the plan was published.The draft DP was published on May 15 last year, inviting suggestions and objections from citizens over reservations proposed on various land parcels. The civic body received nearly 50,000 objections, with many residents alleging that incorrect reservations had been imposed on their properties.A proposal seeking extension of time was placed before the general body meeting on Friday by the town planning department. However, the matter was deferred to the next meeting, following demands by corporators to cancel the draft DP instead of correcting it.A senior PCMC official said rules require the civic body to complete hearings on objections and forward the DP to state govt for final approval within one year of publication. Since the deadline ends on May 16, the civic administration has initiated the process to seek additional time.“Though the proposal was deferred in the general body meeting, the process for seeking extension has already started and it can still be considered,” the official said.Once approved by the general body, the proposal will be sent to the state town planning department for final approval. As per the rules, municipal corporations with populations between 20 lakh and one crore can seek an extension of up to one year for completing the hearing process.The draft DP, prepared during the administrative rule in the civic body, has faced opposition from political parties across the spectrum.PCMC has already named four experts to be part of the hearing panel. However, the committee is yet to be fully constituted as three members from the standing committee have not been nominated so far. Sources in the civic body said many standing committee members are reluctant to join the panel due to widespread opposition to the draft DP from residents across areas.The committee is responsible for conducting hearings on objections and after making necessary changes, sending the draft to state govt for final approval.