Archive · 8 Sep 2026
Bhase Says PMRDA Failed, Calls For Metropolitan Development Plan
Vasant Sudam Bhase says Pune’s regional planning agency has not completed its legal planning job.
He says the agency’s three-year period as a Special Planning Authority is over.
Bhase wants the state government to start a new Development Plan through the Metropolitan Planning Committee.
PMRDA had made a draft plan before, but it was withdrawn after legal and administrative problems.
PMRDA’s website still lists preparing a Development Plan as one of its main tasks.
The Bombay High Court is considering Bhase’s petition.
The court has asked the state government to respond.
The disagreement is about which government body should lead planning for the Pune Metropolitan Region.
MPC member Vasant Sudam Bhase accused PMRDA of failing its statutory role as a Special Planning Authority.
Bhase said PMRDA’s three-year statutory planning period has expired and urged the government to prepare a region-wide Development Plan through the MPC.
PMRDA had previously prepared and published a draft Development Plan, but it was withdrawn after judicial and administrative complications.
The Bombay High Court directed the Maharashtra government to file a reply affidavit to Bhase’s petition within three weeks.
The dispute could affect the future planning structure of the expanding Pune Metropolitan Region and its residents.
- Who
- Metropolitan Planning Committee member Vasant Sudam Bhase, PMRDA, the Maharashtra government and the Bombay High Court.
- What
- Bhase has challenged PMRDA’s continued role as a Special Planning Authority and sought preparation of a region-wide Development Plan through the MPC.
- When
- The Bombay High Court issued its order on August 6, 2026, with the matter listed for August 27, 2026; Bhase also cited a meeting held on April 22, 2026.
- Where
- The Pune Metropolitan Region, with proceedings before the Bombay High Court.
- Why
- Bhase says PMRDA’s three-year statutory period as a Special Planning Authority has expired and that the law now requires the government to decide the next planning process.
Bhase’s Position
PMRDA’s Stated Planning Role
Authority for preparing the plan
Bhase’s Position
Bhase argues that the government should now initiate preparation of the region-wide Development Plan through the Metropolitan Planning Committee.
PMRDA’s Stated Planning Role
PMRDA identifies preparation of the Development Plan for the Pune Metropolitan Region as one of its major planning assignments.
Special Planning Authority period
Bhase’s Position
Bhase says PMRDA’s three-year statutory period as a Special Planning Authority has expired and that further planning under that role should not continue indefinitely.
PMRDA’s Stated Planning Role
PMRDA currently describes itself as the statutory authority responsible for planning and managing the Pune Metropolitan Region.
Previous draft plan
Bhase’s Position
Bhase says PMRDA’s earlier draft plan was withdrawn after judicial and administrative complications, demonstrating the need for a different legal course.
PMRDA’s Stated Planning Role
PMRDA’s planning department continues to list preparation and implementation of development plans among its core functions.
- Petitioner
- Vasant Sudam Bhase, a member of the Metropolitan Planning Committee
- Agency at issue
- Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority
- Disputed role
- PMRDA’s status and continuing responsibilities as a Special Planning Authority
- Legal provision cited
- Section 21(4) of the Maharashtra Regional and Town Planning Act, 1966
- Court
- Bombay High Court
- Court order
- The state must file a reply affidavit within three weeks of the August 6, 2026 order
- Proposed planning body
- The Metropolitan Planning Committee should prepare the Development Plan for the entire Pune Metropolitan Region, according to Bhase