The Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) has announced its intention to acquire land under the Mhalunge-Maan town planning scheme. In accordance with this plan, PMRDA has proposed the development of approximately 25 kilometers of road stretches and is required to acquire 49 hectares of land. Ramdas Jagtap, Deputy Collector, PMRDA, stated that they had initiated a process to acquire land for various purposes, including road construction and the provision of amenities. He mentioned that the estimated cost of constructing a 24-metre wide road in the Mhalunge-Maan town planning scheme is Rs 40.50 million. Notices have already been sent to landowners informing them of this development. He added that the draft plan, which includes changes related to flood lines for 56 plots, is awaiting approval from the state government. This approval will pave the way for the commencement of road construction. Jagtap noted that the land acquisition process has already begun, and alternative space has been provided to landowners in flood-prone areas. Regarding the delay in the town planning scheme, Jagtap attributed it to the COVID-19 pandemic. He also mentioned that some landowners had raised objections and filed a case in the High Court, which was subsequently dismissed by the court. Nevertheless, he emphasized that PMRDA is now committed to accelerating the project and has allocated Rs 1 billion for the Mhalunge-Maan town planning scheme. In August, the High Court rejected PMRDA's request to cancel the Mhalunge-Maan Town planning scheme, clearing the path for its implementation. The Mhalunge-Maan town planning scheme is modelled after Gujarat's town planning scheme and stands to benefit 5,800 beneficiaries. This scheme allows landowners to reclaim 50% of the developed land within the same area where the arbitration process took place. Also read:  Bhopal cabinet approves major infrastructure projects NHAI's project awarding and asset monetisation updates for FY24