04 Feb 2025

The Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) has fined 221 construction sites INR 31.4 lakh for breaching pollution control norms over the past six weeks. As part of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), PCMC aims to curb rising pollution, particularly in areas like Punawale, Tathawade, and Moshi, where AQI levels have reached unhealthy levels. Two firms received stop-work orders for repeated violations. PCMC is considering increasing fines from INR 10 to INR 100 per sq. meter to enhance compliance. A dedicated monitoring team has been formed, reinforcing efforts to balance urban growth with environmental sustainability in the rapidly developing region.Read more

30 Jan 2025

The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has requested 15 government land parcels from the state to fast-track several pending development projects. These include initiatives such as 24x7 water supply, road widening in various areas, and the creation of a playground in Shivajinagar. The civic administration highlighted that many projects have been delayed due to the unavailability of land. Once allocated, the state land will help move forward essential projects like roadworks, riverbank beautification, and construction of water tanks. The PMC has secured approval for the land acquisition, which will require INR 25 crore for the 15 parcels.Read more

28 Jan 2025

The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has initiated efforts to recover commercial taxes from businesses operating in slum areas, aiming to generate approximately INR 100 crore in revenue. This move follows the civic body's struggle to recover dues from larger defaulters, including mobile towers that owe INR 3,500 crore. While PMC is focusing on slum-based businesses, civic activists have urged them to prioritise larger defaulters and discourage recurrent tax amnesty schemes. The Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) projects have rehabilitated approximately 11,000 slum dwellers, yet challenges remain due to space constraints and the demand for rehabilitation within the same locations.Read more

27 Jan 2025

The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has intensified its crackdown on unauthorized constructions, demolishing over 125 illegal structures in Shivejinagar, Chandannagar, and Kondhwa. The drive targeted encroachments on Maha Metro land near Dengale Bridge and unauthorized shops and food stalls operating without permits. Despite prior warnings, many continued operations, prompting immediate action. The initiative is part of PMC's ongoing efforts to maintain public order and compliance with building regulations. As Pune faces rapid urbanization, such measures are crucial for ensuring organized development and preserving public spaces across the city.Read more

20 Jan 2025

Madhuri Misal, Minister of State for Urban Development and Transport, has announced a critical meeting in Mumbai next week to address property tax collection and civic challenges in Pune's 34 merged areas. Discussions will cover seven to eight key topics, including a comprehensive development plan, streamlining urban planning responsibilities, and creating policies for biodiversity parks and hilltop areas. Misal also prioritized infrastructure issues, urging timely road repairs and strict action against delays. As Pune grows, this meeting aims to align development with community needs, ensuring improved civic services and sustainable urban growth under Pune Municipal Corporation's expanding role.Read more

15 Jan 2025

The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) approved 16 high-rise projects in 2024, a 78% increase from 2023, marking the highest approvals since 2016. Defined under the UDCPR as buildings over 24 meters tall, some of these new projects reach up to 160.45 meters and are concentrated in areas like Balewadi, Kharadi, and Bopodi. While urban planners support vertical growth for urban densification, concerns remain about strained infrastructure. PMC officials emphasize rigorous scrutiny and improved infrastructure, including twin water pipelines, but residents fear increased traffic and water shortages. The PMC must balance urban growth with essential infrastructure to ensure sustainable development.Read more

09 Jan 2025

The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) is inviting housing societies to apply for up to a 10% property tax rebate for 2025-26 by adopting green initiatives like vermiculture composting, rainwater harvesting, and solar energy systems. Applications are open until February 15, 2025, with operational projects qualifying for the rebate. In 2023-24, 128,000 properties applied for similar benefits, though inspections revealed maintenance lapses in some cases. The PMC is addressing this through community awareness programs and additional incentives. This initiative aligns with PMC's environmental goals, fostering a culture of sustainability while offering tax relief to compliant property owners.Read more

08 Jan 2025

The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has announced a new initiative to disconnect water supply from properties with unpaid property tax dues. The action will target both residential and commercial properties, with a particular focus on residential ones. The drive, which began on January 2, 2025, aims to recover significant revenue, with a target of INR 2,600 crore for the current fiscal year. To supplement their efforts, the PMC has also launched a music band initiative that has already raised INR 60 crore in a month. Legal advice is being sought to ensure that the measures taken comply with the law.Read more

07 Jan 2025

The Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) has intensified its drive against property tax defaulters, sealing 202 properties in just three days. Over 10,000 properties with overdue payments exceeding INR 1 lakh each have been identified. The enforcement has spurred payments, with 398 defaulters clearing INR 9 crore in dues after the crackdown. PCMC, which oversees 6.3 lakh properties, has collected INR 569 crore in property tax revenue this year. Officials stress the importance of timely payments, noting that defaulters are notified before action. Even government offices with pending dues face penalties. This campaign aims to enhance municipal revenue for better services and infrastructure.Read more

01 Jan 2025

The Khadki Cantonment Board (KCB) has proposed the excision of 326 acres from its civilian zones and their integration with the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), impacting nearly 29,000 residents. This decision follows consultations with defence and civic authorities, including the Southern Command and Bombay Engineering Group. While the merger could enhance municipal services, it also raises concerns over security and development restrictions near defence establishments. Feedback from the PMC and state government remains pending, and no final decision has been made regarding the merger, which includes maintaining certain defence-controlled zones.Read more

30 Dec 2024

Avalara India, a leader in tax compliance automation, has secured approximately 1,80,000 square feet of office space at Panchshil Business Park East in Viman Nagar, Pune. This acquisition highlights Avalara's strategy to expand its presence in India and leverage world-class infrastructure to support innovation and operational efficiency. Known for its cloud-based tax automation solutions, Avalara simplifies tax challenges across industries. The deal, facilitated by CBRE India, further establishes Panchshil Business Park East as a premier destination for global enterprises.Read more

25 Dec 2024

The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has successfully recovered over INR 34 crore from property tax defaulters in the past fortnight by using music bands. These bands play loud music outside properties of defaulters, mostly commercial establishments, to shame them into settling their dues. The defaulters have not paid taxes for periods ranging from one year to ten years. Despite sending recovery notices, many owners had failed to respond, prompting this unconventional approach. PMC continues its efforts to meet a property tax revenue target of INR 2,600 crore for the 2024-25 fiscal year.Read more

PNT Reporter

23 Dec 2024

NES, the data centre arm of TCC, leased its 4 MW IT capacity facility in Hinjewadi, Pune, to a leading data centre company. Completed in just four months, the facility supports high-density racks and advanced IT needs, showcasing NES's technological expertise and operational excellence. Its strategic location in Pune's IT hub added to its appeal. Managing Director Umesh Sahay praised the achievement, highlighting the industry trust and NES's commitment to innovation. This milestone marks NES's strong entry into the data centre sector, positioning it as a key player in delivering top-tier, scalable IT solutions for the future.Read more

PNT Reporter

23 Dec 2024

The Mhalunge-Maan town planning scheme in Pune is set for progress in 2024. Covering 250.5 hectares and benefiting 5,800 residents, the scheme aims to develop a sustainable urban space with planned infrastructure and land use. Aligned with PMRDA's broader urban growth plans, the scheme supports the proposed 128-km inner ring road and adopts a land redistribution model inspired by Gujarat. Residents will receive 50% of developed land, with an arbitrator overseeing allocations. Alongside five other town planning initiatives spanning 751.55 hectares, the project seeks to enhance connectivity, attract investments, and improve living standards, marking a key milestone in Pune's urban development.Read more

PNT Reporter

17 Dec 2024

The Pune Metro is a major rapid transit initiative designed to ease travel within one of Maharashtra's most dynamic cities. Officially approved in 2016 and operational from March 2022, the system currently includes two lines spanning over 31 kilometers, serving vital residential, commercial, and industrial zones. Developed by Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Limited (MahaMetro), it employs modern rolling stock, automated fare collection, and eco-friendly features like regenerative braking and solar power utilization. Despite cost escalations, construction delays, and fluctuating ridership, the planned addition of a third line and future extensions signal long-term growth. The Pune Metro aspires to deliver reliable, efficient, and sustainable urban transportation.Read more

PNT Reporter

10 Dec 2024

The Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) has sought structural inspections of 4,883 flats built under the Pradhanmantri Awas Yojana, after multiple complaints from residents regarding issues like ceiling leaks, bathroom problems, and toilet leakages within a year of moving in. The flats, constructed for economically weaker sections and low-income groups, were handed over to beneficiaries last year. PMRDA has contacted IIT Bombay and CoEP Technical University for the inspection to ensure the safety of the buildings. Developers are working on repairs, but some issues, like lack of manpower and security removal, have raised concerns among residents.Read more

PNT Reporter

05 Dec 2024

The Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) recently filed six FIRs against illegal constructions and has submitted applications for three additional cases. Despite prior stop-work notices, construction activities continued, leading to legal actions. Demolitions were paused for two months following a Supreme Court directive limiting such actions to structures on roads and water bodies. With election duties concluded, PMRDA plans to resume normal operations, including demolitions of unauthorised structures. The department ensures that complaints are investigated, and opportunities are provided to regularise structures where possible, but restricted or unapproved constructions face demolition.Read more

PNT Reporter

04 Dec 2024

Pune's real estate sector witnessed a sharp increase in October 2024, registering over 20,894 properties-a 39% year-on-year growth-driven by festive demand and favorable economic conditions, according to Knight Frank India. Stamp duty collections also surged 52% to INR 751 crores during the month. The city recorded 159,306 registrations in the first 10 months of 2024, reflecting a 30% rise from the previous year. Demand for larger apartments and luxury homes grew, with properties above INR 1 crore making up 14% of October's sales. Central Pune led transactions, holding 80% of the market share, as infrastructure development and affordability continued to attract buyers.Read more

22 Nov 2024

The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) faces a projected INR 300 crore shortfall in property tax collections, primarily due to election-related restrictions and halted tax recovery in newly merged areas. By October, PMC collected INR 1,725 crore against its INR 2,600 crore target, with an additional INR 600 crore expected by March 2025. Efforts to enhance recovery in merged villages have been stalled by the poll code and state directives. With property tax as a key revenue source for its INR 11,601 crore budget, PMC must explore alternative strategies and collaborate with state authorities to stabilize finances and meet fiscal commitments.Read more

21 Nov 2024

Pune has established itself as a prominent co-working hub in India, ranking second in the country for office space collaboration transactions. Between 2018 and September of this year, Pune recorded 123 transactions, driven by a rising preference among companies for flexible co-working environments over standalone offices. Knight Frank's report covering eight major metropolitan cities reveals that Pune's growing co-working market is part of a larger trend nationwide. Bangalore remains the leader, yet Pune's substantial growth highlights the city's pivotal role in India's evolving office space sector.Read more