Pune: Katraj Junction continues to face setbacks, as the acquisition of a 40-guntha plot from property owner Sanjay Gugale remains incomplete despite a year-long effort by the civic body.
Announced and approved a year ago, the corporation had committed to paying ₹21.57 crores for the plot, but they have yet to take possession.
This delay has serious implications for the National Highways Authority of India's (NHAI) ongoing flyover construction project at the junction. Acquiring the 40-guntha plot is crucial for diverting traffic and positioning girders on parallel pillars, making it essential for the progress of the flyover.
Already behind schedule, the flyover project has been granted a one-year extension until 2025. Citizens are demanding immediate resolution of the land issue to prevent further delays.
The 1/2 survey number plot was earmarked for a 30-meter wide road and garden reservation, but owner Sanjay Gugale filed a petition for fair compensation, leading to a court order in his favor.
In 2017, the development plan proposed a 60-meter wide road, making the plot even more critical for both the flyover and the widening of the Katraj-Kondhwa and Pune-Satara roads.
Despite the High Court's directive for cash compensation, the municipal corporation has not paid Gugale, leaving the plot under his control. This issue traces back to a decision made by former Additional Commissioner Vikas Dhakne, who convened a meeting with relevant officers and landowners a year ago.
The state government allocated ₹140 crores for land acquisition along the Katraj-Kondhwa road, but these funds cannot be used for the Gugale plot, which lies within the old municipal limits.
Additionally, the corporation took two and a half months just to issue a survey invoice, causing Gugale to lose faith in their efficiency. Gugale has suggested that land acquisition proceed under a legal provision involving state mediation, emphasizing that the case will resolve itself once he receives the compensation.
Meanwhile, Aniruddha Pavaskar, the chief engineer of the road department, assured that the land acquisition process is in its final stages, and the plot will be taken over soon.
He emphasized that the flyover construction will not be halted under any circumstances, with the land acquisition department working at full speed to ensure progress.
