Pune: MSRDC Leases Prime Plot Reserved for Cancer Hospital at Throwaway Prices to Private Firm

Reported by Tikam Shekhawat
Pune, 1st September 2024: In a decision that has sparked widespread concern, the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) has leased a prime 2.2-acre plot in Mangalwar Peth, Pune, to a real estate developer at significantly below-market rates. The role of Anilkumar Gaikwad, Managing Director of MSRDC, has come under scrutiny for allegedly supporting a real estate developer by long-leasing this valuable plot to a private firm at a fraction of its actual value.

The land, originally intended for a cancer hospital, is now at the centre of a controversy, with critics arguing that private interests have been prioritized over public welfare. Despite repeated calls and messages from Punekar News, Anilkumar Gaikwad did not respond or provide his version of events.

The plot, located in front of Sassoon Hospital, was initially reserved for the development of a 300-bed cancer hospital, further fueling the controversy surrounding the deal.

Given its central location and proximity to the prominent Sassoon Hospital, the land was expected to be used for a critical public health project. However, MSRDC’s decision to lease it to a private real estate player has outraged local residents, healthcare professionals, and activists, who argue that public health infrastructure should have taken precedence over commercial interests.

Critics have condemned the deal, alleging that the plot was leased at a fraction of its true value, potentially leading to significant losses for the state. They have also questioned the transparency and fairness of the leasing process, with some suggesting that the deal may have been structured to benefit specific parties rather than the Maharashtra government or Punekars.

The plot’s original designation as a site for a cancer hospital has only intensified concerns, as Pune continues to face a growing need for more comprehensive healthcare facilities. The leasing of this land for commercial development is seen by many as a missed opportunity to address the increasing demand for cancer treatment and care in the region.

As public scrutiny mounts, there are growing calls for an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the lease. Citizens and activists are urging the state government to reconsider the deal and ensure that public assets are utilized in ways that prioritize the well-being of the community.