Balewadi residents fear road demolition due to land mistake

Residents of two housing societies in Balewadi are worried about the possible demolition of their access road. A land surveyor has mistakenly marked this road as private property. The residents believe this change is intentional and are calling for an investigation into the Land Records Office (LRO). The confusion began when surveyor V V Kokare marked the boundary of the Amit Emerald Park Society without consulting residents. The road is important because it was acquired by the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) in exchange for compensation. Now, residents fear that this wrong classification could lead to the loss of their homes. The two societies, Amit Emerald Park Society and Celebration Society, received all necessary approvals and their land rights were confirmed in previous surveys. However, tensions have increased since they filed a petition in the high court for road repairs. This prompted the LRO to send a letter about boundary-marking, leading to Kokare's visit. Residents argue that Kokare mistakenly documented their access road as part of a neighboring private property. They swiftly filed complaints about the error, emphasizing that the road should legally remain a public access point. Around 60 families are concerned. They worry that if the mistake is not fixed, the private landowner might restrict their access or seek to demolish their buildings. Society leaders have formally complained to the LRO, alleging a plot to aid illegal land transfers. The leaders of the societies criticize the LRO for aiding private interests. They demand that senior officials review the land boundaries based on old survey records and maps. They also requested an investigation into Kokare’s actions, citing concerns of corruption. Since the PMC acquired the road in 2008, residents have been asking for a public inspection to keep the road open for everyone.