Pune: The Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) has announced a major decentralization initiative, under which four regional offices and multiple taluka-level offices will be set up. This decision aims to make administrative services more accessible to citizens and reduce their dependence on PMRDA’s main office in Pune.
The authority’s budget for the financial year 2025-26 was approved in a recent meeting attended by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. During the meeting, PMRDA officials proposed decentralizing operations to streamline public services, which was approved by the government.
PMRDA oversees an area of 6,246 square kilometers, covering 697 villages across nine talukas. Due to the existing system, residents from these villages often have to travel long distances to Pune city for essential administrative work, which is both time-consuming and costly.
To address this issue, PMRDA has decided to set up four regional offices in the East, West, North, and South zones of its jurisdiction. Additionally, sub-offices will be established in each taluka, allowing citizens to access services at the local level instead of traveling to Pune.
Currently, PMRDA operates from two main offices located in Akurdi, Pimpri-Chinchwad, and Aundh, Pune. Once the new offices are established, residents will have easier access to various permits, certificates, and grievance redressal services.
What Services Will Be Available?
The new regional and taluka offices will provide key public services, including:
Building Permission Applications: Citizens can apply for construction approvals at their nearest office.
Zoning Certificates: Issuance of zone-related documents will be facilitated locally.
Monitoring Unauthorized Constructions: Strict vigilance to prevent illegal constructions.
Land Acquisition Cases: Expediting land-related legal processes.
Fire Safety Implementation: Establishment of necessary fire safety measures.
Housing Scheme Applications: Acceptance and processing of affordable housing applications.
Complaint Registration: Citizens can file grievances without traveling to Pune.
Development Plan Execution: Implementation of city planning initiatives.
Reduction in Travel Time & Cost for Citizens
The decentralization move will significantly reduce travel distances for citizens who currently have to commute 30-40 kilometers to PMRDA’s main office. With local taluka offices handling complaints, permits, and development-related approvals, citizens can now complete their work closer to home.
"This decision will ensure that all necessary government services are available at the taluka level, making processes smoother and more efficient for the public," said Dr. Yogesh Mhase, Commissioner, PMRDA.
