October 1, 2025: Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, along with former deputy mayor Siddharth Dhende, has urged the administration and the Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA) to ensure that 19 ageing buildings in Yerawada, which fall within the Air Force restriction zone, are redeveloped in line with security regulations.
The buildings, situated on Survey No. 191, are over 40 years old and have reached the stage where redevelopment has become essential. Pawar chaired a review meeting at Council Hall on 26 September, where officials presented a detailed plan for the project. Among those present were District Collector Jitendra Dudi, former MLA Sunil Tingre, PMC city engineer Prashant Waghmare, and MHADA chief executive officer Rahul Sakore.
Sakore noted that the project would provide residents with modern homes and better facilities. “MHADA will implement redevelopment in accordance with the instructions issued by the deputy chief minister and senior officials,” he stated.
Dhende explained that architect Sharad Mahajan had outlined the redevelopment blueprint. “As the northern side of the buildings adjoins the Air Force compound wall, security restrictions could pose challenges. The deputy chief minister has made it clear that all defence guidelines must be strictly adhered to during redevelopment,” he said.
He added that 19 buildings, housing around 500 families, lie within the 100-metre restriction zone and their rehabilitation must be guaranteed under the plan.
The proposed redevelopment will also incorporate open spaces, gardens, schools, sports complexes, and wider roads. The use of additional Floor Space Index (FSI) is expected to ensure all existing homeowners receive new flats within the scheme.
Although the redevelopment of MHADA buildings in Yerawada has been under discussion for years, little progress has been made. A preliminary survey revealed that Pune has nearly 40,000 MHADA units in need of urgent redevelopment.
Source: Hindustan Times
