Residents of Pimpri-Chinchwad have been waiting for over a month for the final red zone map to be approved by the Pune district collector, despite the map being ready for more than two years. The red zone map, prepared by the state government’s land records department using satellite imagery, was finalized by the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) and sent to the district collector for signature in late 2025. However, the map has remained pending for more than a month, leaving thousands of affected families in limbo.

Survey Completed in 2024, Map Ready for Approval

The red zone mapping process began in February 2024, with the survey work completed nearly two years ago. The land records department conducted the survey with the cooperation of the municipal corporation and with the permission of the defence department. The final red zone map was submitted to PCMC in late 2025 after the survey was completed. The map, which was prepared using satellite images, clearly defines the restricted areas within a radius of 2,000 yards from the outer boundary wall of the Dehu Road Ordnance Factory depot.

The red zone map identifies several areas in Pimpri-Chinchwad, including Talawade, Nigdi, Triveninagar, Rupinagar, Yamunanagar, Ravet, Kiwale, Chikhali, Dighi, Bhosari, Wadmukhwadi, Charholi, Dudulgaon and Bopkhel. Military areas such as Sangvi, Pimple Gurav, Pimple Nilakh, Pimprigaon, Pimple Saudagar, Kasarwadi, Dapodi and Phugewadi have also been included in the mapping exercise. The Dighi magazine depot’s red zone boundary extends up to 1,145 metres.

Residents Demand Clarity After Years of Uncertainty

For years, residents have demanded a precise demarcation of red zone boundaries, as earlier limits were unclear and led to widespread confusion. The latest survey was carried out to address this long-standing issue and clearly define the restricted areas. However, with the final map still awaiting official approval, uncertainty continues for thousands of affected citizens.

Officials from the town planning department stated that the map has been forwarded to the district collector for signature. After this, signatures from officials of the defence department, the municipal commissioner and the superintendent of land records are required. Only after all these approvals are completed will the final red zone map be officially published and made available to citizens.

Land Deals Thrive Despite Restrictions

Despite restrictions, land buying and selling are thriving in several red zone pockets of Pimpri-Chinchwad. Areas such as Yamunanagar, Nigdi, Pradhikaran, Bhakti Shakti group sculpture zone, Rupinagar, Talawade, Tower Line, Krushnanagar, Sane Chowk, Chikhali, Dighi, Bhosari, Wadmukhwadi, Moshi and Bopkhel fall under red zone restrictions.

Land is available at lower rates in these areas, attracting buyers who go on to construct houses. However, as the municipal corporation does not grant building permissions in the red zone limits, such houses are categorized as unauthorized constructions. Action can be taken against them at any time on the orders of the defence department.

Civic neglect has led to unchecked construction activity, resulting in growing deterioration of these localities. Illegal constructions and subdivision of land are being sold to ordinary citizens, leading to large-scale financial exploitation, residents allege.

Due to the red zone, nearly 80 per cent of Yamunanagar and Krushnanagar in Nigdi have been affected. A tentative line was declared in 2019. With the final measurement and survey now completed, around 5,000 houses in this area are expected to fall outside the red zone limits. The red zone boundary is also likely to be reduced by 157 metres with immediate effect.

If the red zone map is finalized, pending issues related to houses in Krushnanagar Sector 20 and Yamunanagar Sectors 21, 22 and 23 are also expected to be resolved.

Kishor Gokhale, Deputy Director, Town Planning Department, PCMC said, “The red zone measurement within PCMC limits has been completed by the state land records department. The final and accurate red zone map has been made available to the municipal corporation and sent to the Pune district collector’s office for signature. After a few more mandatory signatures, the map will be published for citizens. Once it is released, the exact number of properties falling within the red zone limits will be clear. We are following up to ensure the red zone map is declared at the earliest.”