Pune: MLA Madhuri Misal has addressed a letter to Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, urging him to intervene in the ongoing Hill Top Hill Slope (HTHS) controversy that has sparked significant unrest among Bibwewadi residents. Misal expressed concern that the issue is tarnishing the state government's image under Shinde's leadership.

The controversy erupted when Bibwewadi residents learned about a 7-acre plot in their area being de-reserved from HTHS designation and set to be declared a residential zone.

The plot, owned by a prominent developer, triggered outrage among locals who accused the government of favoring developers. Further exacerbating their frustration, the state urban development department plans to de-reserve additional plots owned by developers and landowners, while parcels with homes of poorer and middle-class residents remain under HTHS restrictions.

HTHS reservations prohibit construction on designated plots, rendering existing structures illegal. Much of Bibwewadi was included in HTHS in Pune’s 1987 development plan, leading to considerable distress among residents, especially those in slum pockets. In 2018, enforcement of HTHS on these plots was suspended following strong opposition.

In 2023, the state urban development department sought the Pune Municipal Corporation's (PMC) opinion on de-reserving 11 developer-owned plots. The then municipal commissioner of PMC, Vikram Kumar, supported the move, facilitating the de-reservation process.

Subsequently, the state government issued an order inviting objections and suggestions on de-reserving a 7-acre plot in the HTHS zone, initially owned by Sanjay Bafna and later sold to companies run by developer Sachin Ishwarchand Goyal.

This plot alone has a development potential of Rs 2,300 crores. Residents reported that additional plots owned by Mukesh Yeole and Sanjay Shah are also slated for de-reservation, with combined development potential in the hundreds of crores.

Residents argue that the government shows bias towards affluent developers, leaving them to face disproportionate property taxes on homes deemed illegal under HTHS regulations.

These taxes are reportedly three times the standard rate. They also contend that while their homes remain under HTHS, large plots owned by developers are selectively de-reserved.

In her letter, Misal implored CM Shinde to reconsider the selective de-reservation. "The controversy of de-reserving select plots owned by developers while leaving houses of the poor and middle class in HTHS is damaging the government's reputation.

I request you to halt the de-reservation of a single developer-owned plot and consider de-reserving the entire area simultaneously," Misal wrote.

Misal has requested a meeting with CM Shinde to discuss her constituents' concerns and seek a comprehensive solution to the HTHS issue.