Size of a city, its growth and limits is a
debatable topic with one side contending the need to limit the size and the
other for increasing its limits.
In general, there is opinion among planners and experts that cities cannot grow unlimited. But restricting the growth becomes a problem
for many cities as it continues its sprawl engulfing surrounding villages. Problems
arise when the growing city is not able to provide basic services and good
quality of life to its citizens.
34 Villages in question:
In May 2014 – State government issued official merger
notification.
Politics of merger: The previous state government (Congress – NCP) wanted
the merger of 34 villages (allegedly strongholds of Congress and NCP) ahead of 2017 PMC polls and thus they initiated the process in 2014. In 2015-2016 budget
allocation, the PMC had set aside Rs 25 crore for these 34 villages. But in the
Draft 2016-2017 budget, no provision has been made for these villages. Also it
is alleged that the BJP-Shiv Sena ruled State government is not in favor of merging
the villages as it would reduce its chances of winning the next PMC elections.
Is Pune Corporation capable to handle
these 34 villages?
Current city
status:
FACTORS TO BE CONSIDERED WHEN A CITY DECIDES TO EXPAND
|
|||
Sl No
|
Parameters
|
Pune City
|
Comments
|
1
|
Current Size
|
244 sqkm
|
|
2
|
After expansion size
|
500 sqkm
|
*Double the present size
*Greater than Mumbai
Corporation
*Will become largest MC in state.
|
3
|
Current Population
|
31 lakhs
|
|
4
|
Current service levels
|
||
a
|
Water Supply
|
*Major problem -
Municipality supplying water only on alternate days – for few hours.
·
*Unequal water
distribution - 350 litre per day per person in old city area &
60 litre per day per person in fringe areas (Viman Nagar, Baner etc )
|
*23 villages acquired in
1997 –gets very less water
|
b
|
Solid waste Management
|
Huge problem in many wards.
|
|
c
|
Transportation
|
Public transport – 15%, 2 wheelers – 55%
|
*Worst Public transport
*Newly added areas poorly connected by public transport.
*Rising Pvt vehicles
|
d
|
Slum
|
30% population
|
*Encroached on hills and river beds
|
e
|
Pollution
|
High to moderate
|
|
f
|
Reducing green spaces
|
Hills encroached, green spaces reducing
|
*Changes in climate and loss in bio diversity
|
Pune is grappling to cope with its current
area and population; it is struggling to meet the requirements and services of
its citizens. One can argue that all cities face these problems – but then all
cities are not planning to expand to double their sizes. Additional villages will be a huge burden for PMC - Not a good idea..
Status of 23 Villages added in 1997 - In 1997, 38 villages were added to
Pune Corporation and in 2001, 15 fully and 5 partially were removed. Thus net
23 villages were added in 1997 to Pune Corporation increasing its size from
previous 146 sqkm to present 244 sqkm. After
the merging was announced, thousands of buildings were constructed in these
villages. As the merger process dragged on, many constructions without plans
came up. Today, PMC is struggling to provide basic amenities in these
areas.
The same phenomenon is happening in the 34
villages in the current merger list. Since the announcement, the Collectorate and state town planning department are flooded with
building permission applications. This is because now the approvals will be
easier as it is per Regional plan, once merged into PMC, Development Control rules will have to
be followed. From May 2014 to March 2015, district administration has issued
permissions for 10 crore sq feet of construction (Source: TOI, March 25, 2015). Many illegal
constructions are already in full swing here.
SOLUTION??
- It’s a fact that the surrounding villages of PMC are growing haphazardly and need regulation. The development pressures of the city are eating up the farms and open spaces in these surrounding villages. So the best solution for these 34 villages is to have a separate Municipal corporation, as it will allow for decentralized governance. Yes, it will take time to establish a system and machinery , but with the help from PMC and funding from state government, the new corporation will be able to manage within a few years.
- Also there is a need to shift focus from Pune to its region. Growth of Pune and surroundings in the recent years is attributed to the development of IT and manufacturing industry. The city and the neighbouring Pimpri Chinchwad attract huge number of IT employees without housing and other basic infrastructure, thus burdening PMC for housing, transport and infrastructure requirements. Pune needs to dilute its growth to surroundings by developing satellite townships with employment and housing opportunities. Regional plan for Pune suggest new town to be established at a distance of 80 to 100 km from Pune – between Baramati and Kurkumbh industrial area. It also suggests residential townships at 25-30 Km ( Inner residential ring towns) & 50-80 Km (Outer ring towns) distance as ring towns to take care of housing needs. The existing development in these areas shows that the Industrial areas are developing but the residential area is not having the same pace of development.
Kindly share your opinion and suggestions.
Anu
Kuncheria
anukuncheria@gmail.com
No comments:
Post a Comment