Curation Team
PUNE: Residents and civic activists have sought clarity about the future floor space index (FSI) regulations in Pune and Khadki cantonment areas, following state govt’s approval to merge them into Pune Municipal Corporation limits.
The cantonment boards have submitted proposals recommending a maximum FSI of 1 in the merged areas, considering defence establishment security needs. This is higher than the current 0.5 FSI in the cantonment areas but lower than PMC’s 1.1-3 FSI range. The boards emphasized that any excision (or exclusion) from their jurisdiction should not lead to unrestricted FSI.
PMC commissioner Naval Kishore Ram told TOI, “The FSI is the paramount factor for the development of any municipal body. While the chief minister has expressed a desire to develop Pune and Khadki cantonment boards and provide quality civic services, there was no discussion or decision on the FSI in the meeting. So, at this juncture, we cannot comment further on the matter.”
On the Old Grant Bungalows (OGBs) properties, Ram said, “We will study the nitty-gritty of these properties in the coming days. I will personally visit the PCB and KCB areas. If required, our officials will also conduct a preliminary survey there to understand the issue on the ground.”
As far as the merging of the cantonment assets was concerned, Ram said, “We are absolutely clear on this matter. We will merge as it is.”
Sachin Mathurawala, the only nominated board member of the PCB, told TOI, “There is a lack of clarity regarding the FSI and properties associated with old grants to date. For the public interest, this is the most important factor, as it will determine the future development of cantonment areas.”
C Ravindra, principal director (defence estates), Southern Command, who is the head of the 19 cantonments of the Southern Command, did not respond to TOI’s phone calls and messages.
A senior official from the Directorate General of Defence Estates, who attended the meeting, said, “We have already submitted our proposals to state govt, where we specifically addressed the FSI and the security concerns of local military authorities. Following Friday’s meeting, we expect to receive govt’s feedback in writing, which we will then present to the ministry for a final decision.”
The residents argued that FSI restrictions were a significant obstacle to the development of cantonment areas. Activist Rajabhau Chavan said, “We should have an FSI similar to that of PMC. There should be no restrictions on it.”
A trader from MG Road, who has been running his business for the last three decades, said, “The cantonment authorities did not pay heed to people’s issues for the last decade.”
Another businessman, who runs an apparel store on MG Road, said, “Gardens in the cantonment are in a bad state, roads are riddled with potholes, health services are substandard, garbage disposal and the overall development of the Pune cantonment are in a pathetic state. The merger was much needed for us.”
A section of old residents expressed sadness about losing the ‘peculiar identity’ of the cantonment. “The Pune and Khadki cantonment boards are one of the oldest military garrisons in the country. Each corner of them holds historical significance. They have seen several military actions and decisions in the past. The houses, food, arts, culture, people’s lifestyle, and so many factors are different from the rest of the city. All these things are likely to become history after the merger,” said Col Vinay Dalvi (retd,) who served in the Southern Command.
