November 07, 2025: Residents of Lokmanyanagar in Pune have taken the Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA) to court, alleging prolonged delays and administrative negligence in implementing the long-pending redevelopment of their neighbourhood. Despite a clear directive from the Chief Minister earlier this year, residents claim that no tangible progress has been made, forcing them to seek legal recourse.
Dr. Madan Mohan Kothule, representing Savali Cooperative Housing Society, has issued a legal notice to the Chief Minister, Pune District Collector, MHADA, and the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC). Through their advocates, Ranjit Gaware and Bhagyashree Belkar, the residents argue that MHADA’s inaction has left families living in unsafe buildings over four decades old, endangering lives.
“Not all buildings in Lokmanyanagar are in the same state. Some are completely crumbling, while others remain stable. Enforcing a blanket stay without proper inspections is unfair and jeopardizes lives,” said Dr. Kothule.
The dispute began after MLA Hemant Rasne proposed a comprehensive cluster redevelopment plan for the entire area. Following his recommendation, the government halted all individual and ongoing redevelopment projects pending an integrated development report ordered by the Chief Minister on March 11, 2025.
Residents argue that the suspension has frozen already approved projects, violating their right to safety under Section 365A of the Maharashtra Municipal Corporations Act, which mandates structural audits for buildings over 30 years old.
Documents reviewed by the society reveal that although MHADA acknowledged the Chief Minister’s order, it failed to act. “This highlights administrative negligence,” said Dr. Kothule. “Despite a direct command from the Chief Minister, MHADA has not managed to deliver a report.”
Residents also allege that the move to a cluster model benefits select developers. “This choice serves a handful of developers, not the residents. Public safety should not be sacrificed for political advantage,” they stated.
Source: Pune Mirror
