The delay comes despite earlier indications from the UDD that the proposal was nearing approval. Officials noted that the announcement has been further pushed back due to the model code of conduct currently in force for the Zilla Parishad and Panchayat Samiti elections. While the preliminary plan for the Mahalunge–Maan project was approved in Dec 2019, technical hurdles have also played a role in the timeline. Changes in regional flood lines necessitated modifications to the original layout. The scheme covers a total area of 250.50 hectares and includes around 460 plots. Of these, nearly 350 plots would be returned to landowners, while PMRDA would receive 110 plots for amenities and open spaces. Around 5,800 beneficiaries are part of the scheme.Beyond local development, these town planning schemes are critical to the region’s infrastructure. They are positioned as the primary revenue model for the proposed 128-km PMRDA Inner Ring Road. The authority has planned as many as 26 such schemes along the initial 32-km stretch of the ring road to fund the project.Under the standard TP process, the state govt appoints an arbitrator to conduct hearings with landholders regarding plot allotments. Once these hearings conclude, the draft scheme is resubmitted to the govt for final execution—a stage the Mahalunge–Maan project is yet to complete.
