Pune: Three years’ extension for Panshet flood-affected societies to claim home ownership

PUNE: The state cabinet has approved a proposal for giving three years’ extension to residents of Panshet flood-affected housing societies to claim ownership of houses given to them as transit camps.

According to the PMC data, around 2,095 members of 103 residential societies are eligible for extension.

The families badly affected due to 1961 Panshet flood are living on land given to them on lease by the state government. The government took a decision in March 2019 to transfer the ownership of the land to 103 co-operative societies.

Only six months’ time was given for submission of proposals. Many people could not avail the benefit as the time given for submission of proposal was limited. Some of these properties have gone into legal battle, so more time was sought.

“It is milestone decision. The people living in these houses have been fighting for ownership for a long time,” said Ashwini Kadam, a corporator from Sahakarnagar.
The state government had built eight societies in different areas of the PMC. It includes commercial as well as residential properties. These were given on rental basis on lease for 99 years.

According to the residents, the land was not under the ownership of the occupants, which caused many problems. These residents could not use the properties for mortgage, even re-developent projects could not be carried out here. Repairing and restoration were also a major concern.