In an embarrassing development the MAHA Metro’s application for allowing the Pune Metro alignment from Civic Court to Ramwadi has been rejected by the National Monuments Authority. In a meeting of the NMA dated 10 th September, the proposal to run along Nagar road has been rejected since this section lies within the prohibited area of the Aga Khan Palace.
As per the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act of 1958, which was amended in 2010, no construction of any kind is allowed within 100 metres of a nationally protected monument. Aga Khan Palace was declared a nationally protected monument in 2003. In 2016 the Bombay High Court, in a petition filed by city-based NGO Parisar had made it clear that construction of the Metro project should not proceed without getting permissions from the National Monuments Authority. Despite this MAHA Metro went ahead and awarded the tender for construction of the Civil Court to Ramwadi section on 2 nd August. With the rejection of permission to construct the Metro along Nagar road abutting the Aga Khan Palace, the project is likely to be hit by further delays and cost escalation.
“MAHA Metro decided to gamble with public funds by obstinately continuing to push the construction along Nagar road despite the fact that it was very clear that they will violate the
prohibited area of the Aga Khan Palace. This had been brought to their notice many times and the PMC had also made a commitment to the Hon’ble Bombay High Court. The National Monuments Authority is bound by the provisions of the AMASR Act, and they simply cannot allow any construction within 100 meters of the Aga Khan Palace”, said Ranjit Gadgil of Parisar. “MAHA Metro has to answer the public of Pune as to why they decided to break the law, the consequences of which will have to be borne by the people of Pune, who are ultimately bearing the cost of this project”, added Sujit Patwardhan.
“The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) who planned the Pune Metro have faced similar hurdles while constructing the Metro in Delhi and had to change their alignment many times to avoid going close to ancient monuments. They do not seem to have learnt from their mistakes. Because of their overconfidence the people of Pune will suffer”, said Prashant Inamdar, who has called into question the planning of the Metro in Pune right from the beginning. The PMC has also been pushing for a flyover on Nagar road, even though the Metro is supposed to
ease traffic and shift people from cars to public transport. All such plans will now have to be re-considered.
To find the minutes of the National Monuments Authority meeting where this decision was made, click here. To read the PIL filed by Parisar, click here.
Media coverage
Maha-Metro ordered not to construct near Pune’s Aga Khan palace - Hindustan Times, 27th September 2018
Authority rejects metro alignment near Aga Khan Palace - Times of India, 27th September 2018