Military Plans to Enclose Abandoned Military Territory at Camp
In the historic Pune Cantonment area, a 10-foot-high protective wall is being proposed by the Indian Army to safeguard Old Grant Bungalows (OGBs), valued at approximately ₹500 crore. This initiative comes in response to ongoing legal disputes and investigations regarding alleged irregularities in the sale and construction of these properties.
The Pune Cantonment area, home to numerous colonial-era OGBs, has seen deterioration, legal entanglements, and encroachments over the years. These properties, granted for residential use under specific conditions, are under the control of the Ministry of Defence.
The complex ownership structure has led to confusion and conflicts, particularly as some properties have been illegally transferred or sold. The Supreme Court of India has clarified that mere registration of property does not confer ownership, emphasizing the need for thorough documentation and legal adjudication to resolve disputes.
Recent actions include the sealing of four OGBs collectively valued at ₹500 crore, and the initiation of resumption proceedings for 16 more properties in Pune and Khadki cantonments. Authorities are collaborating with the Inspector General of Registration (IGR) to trace the sale and transfer records of 45 OGBs transacted over the past 20 years.
Construction on suspect OGBs has been halted, as there are concerns that prior approvals may have been obtained through suppression of facts. Local bodies such as the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) have taken action to demolish unauthorized constructions, especially those in restricted zones near sensitive military installations like the Pune Air Force Station.
The Army's decision to construct a protective boundary wall is motivated by the need to safeguard these assets and prevent further unauthorized encroachment. Fencing work for the protective wall is expected to begin within the next six weeks.
Cantonment activist Rajabhau Chavan has welcomed the move, calling for the protection of the land and the reclamation of all Old Grant Bungalows on cantonment land in the national interest. The proposed wall is seen as an important step in preserving the heritage and security of these properties, with legal actions and investigations ongoing to address ownership and encroachment issues.
- The Pune Cantonment area, with its historical Old Grant Bungalows, is not only a significant part of India's heritage but also a subject of environmental-science intrigue due to ongoing disputes and investigations.
- The complex political landscape surrounding the ownership of these colonial-era properties has led to concerns about the future of environmental-science preservation and general-news headlines.
- Amidst the heated discussions and legal battles, the army's proposal for a protective wall around the Old Grant Bungalows is seen as a crucial measure in science and politics, aiming to secure these valuable assets and deter further unauthorized encroachment.
