The move is significant for projects involving roads, public utilities, and other infrastructure that require access to or transfer of defence land
Pune : The ministry of defence (MoD) has introduced strict timelines and a mandatory 30-day response deadline to accelerate public infrastructure clearances on defence land.
Because of past delays, several projects could not be taken up on time, thereby increasing the overall cost. Therefore, the project is yet to be completed. Because one agency has failed to act or respond, “By fixing responsibility and deadlines at different stages, the ministry hopes to ensure that proposals do not remain pending simply.
This has improved accountability in the entire procedure,” Vikash Kumar, the defence estates officer of Pune division, told TOI . Rajesh Bankar, head of road department, Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), said, “This decision is very crucial for us, as some projects that require defence land have been pending at the defence estates and Army authorities’ level for the past few months. The move could particularly help future projects where delays in securing defence land have a cascading impact on public infrastructure, including connectivity and essential utility works in areas adjoining military establishments and cantonments,” a senior official from the DGDE said.
“This will expedite the overall procedure, which had been time-consuming in the past. The revised policy has a deadline at each level. For instance, the widening work of the North Main Road in Mundhwa area needs defence land. However, we have not got consent yet.
Infrastructure Projects Impacted by Defence Land Access Delays
The ministry’s recent announcement highlights significant delays in the processing of infrastructure proposals that require access to defence land. Projects involving roads, public utilities, and other essential infrastructure are particularly affected. The ministry cited that slow responses to clarifications from indenting authorities have contributed to these delays, hindering timely project approvals.