Latest news with #OGBs
Time of India
20-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Pune & Khadki cantonment residents seek clarity on FSI after merger approval with PMC
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." You Can Also Check: Pune AQI | Weather in Pune | Bank Holidays in Pune | Public Holidays in Pune 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. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Exciting Offers on vivo X200 FE ViVO X200 FE Book Now Undo 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.
Hindustan Times
07-07-2025
- General
- Hindustan Times
Army to fence abandoned defence land in Camp
In response to mounting safety and environmental concerns, military authorities have announced plans to construct a 10-foot-high protective wall around a stretch of neglected defence land opposite the iconic Bishop's School in Pune Camp. Army to fence abandoned defence land in Camp Locals say the plot has become a hotspot for anti-social activities—used for open urination, illegal dumping of garbage, storing scrap, and parking abandoned vehicles. A faded signboard at the site cites a National Green Tribunal (NGT) order prohibiting dumping, but enforcement has been absent. A senior army officer overseeing cantonment defence lands confirmed that fencing work will begin within the next six weeks. 'All necessary steps have been initiated, and a protective wall will be constructed around the entire plot at the earliest,' the official said. Currently, the land is strewn with plastic waste, cement debris, rubble, broken bricks, and old vehicles. Buffaloes are frequently brought in for grazing, and a signal tower within the premises remains unsecured. There are no guards or routine patrols, leaving the area vulnerable to further encroachment. Despite the neglect, environmentalists have noted the presence of exotic bird species, underlining the ecological value of the site. Within the premises also stands the deteriorating remains of an Old Grant Bungalow (OGB)—a colonial-era structure that adds to the historical significance of the land. Cantonment activist Rajabhau Chavan welcomed the move. 'This land must be protected without delay. The construction of a boundary wall is an important first step. The Army should also reclaim all Old Grant Bungalows on cantonment land in the national interest. These structures carry historical value and their sanctity must be preserved,' he said. Pune Cantonment Board (PCB) Chief Executive Officer Subrat Pal confirmed coordination with defence authorities. 'We have been informed that a protective wall has been proposed, and appropriate action is underway,' he said. OGBs in the Pune Cantonment area are colonial-era bungalows originally granted to civilians for residential use under specific conditions. While the Holders of Occupancy (HOR) own the structures, the land remains under the control of the Ministry of Defence. Over time, many of these properties have deteriorated or become entangled in legal disputes and encroachments. A recent investigation by the Directorate of Defence Estates uncovered irregularities in the sale and construction of at least 20 such properties. Four bungalows—collectively valued at around ₹500 crore—have been sealed. Resumption proceedings have been initiated for 16 more properties in Pune and Khadki cantonments over unauthorised transfers and sales. Officials are working with the Inspector General of Registration (IGR) to trace sale and transfer records for 45 OGBs transacted in the past two decades. Authorities are now demanding PAN and other documentation from occupants to build legal cases. Meanwhile, all construction on suspect OGBs has been halted amid fears that approvals were obtained through suppression of facts.
Time of India
20-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Kamptee's British-Era Bungalows Not For Sale Without Approval Of Army
Nagpur: Property sub-registrar offices have been instructed not to register deeds for the sale of old grant bungalows (OGBs) in Kamptee and other cantonments of the state. OGBs are properties from British times, spread over large areas found in every old cantonment of the country. The instructions were issued last week by the joint registrar to the registration offices down the line. The OGBs are classified as B-3 defence land. The instructions came after the Defence Estates Organisation (DEO) observed that these properties are being illegally sold to individuals and even builders. This also comes in the backdrop of the excision planned for the Kamptee and other cantonments in the state. Excision calls for taking away areas with civilian populations from the control of the ministry of defence and handing them to the local governing bodies. The cantonment board at Kamptee has already sent a draft proposal to the state's urban development department (UDD). The draft proposal, however, does not include the OGBs. This means bungalows at The Mall — a British-era street — will remain under Army control. The Mall was an upscale locality during the colonial times. Taking it out of Army control can lead to unlocking its value as real estate for occupants, said sources. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Вот что поза во сне говорит о вашем характере! Удивительные Новости Undo The other cantonments to be covered under excision are Deolali, Ahmednagar, Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar, Dehu Road and Khadki. The rights over the bungalows has been a vexed issue between the occupants and the Army. The former argue that these are not old grant properties at alls — which can be taken back — and they are the rightful owners of the bungalows. The communication to the sub-registrar offices in Nagpur has earlier communications in this regard attached too. The letters mention that the properties are being sold without permission. One of the letters says that the principal director defence estates of the Southern Command has requested the state's chief secretary that any sale or purchase of the bungalows should not be registered without the ministry of defence's permission. The principal director said that it was observed that a number of bungalows were sold to private individuals and builders without securing permission. Even the registrars are going ahead with the registration without verifying that the due process has been followed. This can lead to fraud on the common citizens, says the letter.
