Discussion on dereserving lands

PUNE, March 30: A committee of experts should examine all aspects of dereservation of land and suggest its alternative use preferably for...

PUNE, March 30: A committee of experts should examine all aspects of dereservation of land and suggest its alternative use preferably for public purpose, participants at a discussion on propriety of dereserving plots8217; opined last week.

The discussion was organised by Yeshwantrao Chavan Prathisthan. Symbiosis director Dr S B Mujumdar presided over the function. The other participants included city engineer of the Pune Municipal Corporation Madhav Harihar, veteran journalist Vasant Kane, Kumar Saptarishi, and architect P H Peshwe.

While explaining the need for making reservations, Harihar said that the civic needs change over a period of time when the process of preparing development plan is in progress. Harihar said that the citizens have a right to make suggestions and objections over the proposals of land reservations. Harihar opined that if proper suggestions are made the original purpose of use of land is served. In case there was a need to make changes in the reservations, there should be total transparency regarding the proposal. He added that an expert committee should examine various aspects of dereservation before the proposal is discussed at the civic general body meeting.

Architect P H Peshwe pointed out that despite making reservations, no development activity takes place on the land for several years. This, he said, was a constitutional injustice8217; inflicted on the land owner. He said that the government should frame proper rules to prevent the sufferings of the land owners and their future generations. The reservations should be lifted wherever actual implementation of the work has not been possible for several years, he opined.

Dr Mujumdar observed that no reservations should be lifted, but in cases where such need arose, the decision should be in favour of public interest and the land should be used for public purpose only. He pointed out that there were several anomalies in the rules regarding use of land reserved for a particular purpose and those should be removed.

President of the prathisthan Dnyaneshwar khaire welcomed. Members Shantilal Suratwala, Ankush Kakade were present.