Pune, 2nd October 2026: Increased Floor Space Index (FSI) provisions under the Unified Development Control and Promotion Regulations (UDCPR) have been challenged in the Bombay High Court, with petitioners raising concerns about the growing pressure on Pune’s infrastructure and residents’ quality of life.
The public interest litigation argues that high-rise buildings are being constructed along narrow roads, often without adequate water supply, sewage systems and waste management facilities.
The petition has been filed by former MP and advocate Vandana Chavan, Vijay Prabhakar Paranjape, Ajit Abhyankar, Vishwambhar Chaudhary and Abhay Chhajed. It challenges the provisions under Chapters 6 and 7 of the UDCPR, alleging that increased FSI has been permitted without adequately assessing the city’s infrastructure capacity and the impact of additional construction.
The petitioners have stated that Pune’s existing water supply, sewage management, traffic, waste disposal and environmental infrastructure are already under considerable pressure. They have warned that allowing additional construction without assessing the city’s capacity could increase population density and place further demands on essential services.
The petition seeks a comprehensive assessment of population density, infrastructure capacity, public amenities, traffic, environmental and climate impacts, the urban heat island effect, disaster risks, biodiversity and the social and economic consequences of increased construction. It also calls for the participation of local authorities and citizens in the assessment process.
The petitioners have sought a stay on the increased FSI provisions under Chapters 6 and 7 of the UDCPR. They have also requested that construction capacity under the 2017 Development Control and Promotion Regulations (DCPR) be restored until the necessary studies are completed.
As an interim measure, the petition seeks restrictions on development permissions granted under the challenged provisions until the assessment of infrastructure capacity and other impacts is completed.
Vandana Chavan said the petitioners had previously met Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to discuss the potential consequences of the UDCPR provisions. She said the Chief Minister had directed the Urban Development Department to make a presentation on the issue. The petitioners have now approached the High Court, seeking a review of the regulations and their impact on Pune’s development.
