Lavasa: Difference between revisions

What links here Related changes Page information Get shortened URL
Created by GreenC bot
Last edited March 28, 2026
← Older edit
VisualWikitext
m Removed empty portal template using script
minor enhanced formatting and corrected details
 
Line 1: Line 1:
{{Update|date=January 2025}}
{{Use British English|date=March 2013}}
{{Use British English|date=March 2013}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2013}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2022}}
{{Other uses}}
{{Infobox settlement
{{Infobox settlement
| name                    = Lavasa
| name                    = Lavasa
| other_name              =  
| other_name              =  
| nickname                =  
| nickname                =  
| settlement_type        = Town
| settlement_type        =Planned city<br>Hill city
| image_skyline          = Lavasahills.jpg
| image_skyline          = Lavasahills.jpg
| image_alt              =  
| image_alt              =  
Line 48: Line 50:
| website                = {{URL|www.lavasa.com}}
| website                = {{URL|www.lavasa.com}}
| footnotes              =  
| footnotes              =  
}}{{Update|part=|date=February 2021|reason=}}
}}
'''Lavasa''' ([[Marathi language|Marathi]]: {{lang|mr|लवासा}}, lavāsā) is a private,<ref name=bbc>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-south-asia-12223024|title=India rules hill city 'illegal'|publisher=BBC|date=19 January 2011}}</ref> [[planned city]] built near [[Pune, India|Pune]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/lavasa-order-idUSSGE70H0A320110118|title=UPDATE 1-India ministry sets terms to consider Lavasa approval|work=Reuters|date=18 January 2011}}</ref> It is stylistically based on the Italian town [[Portofino]], with a street and several buildings bearing the name of that town.
'''Lavasa''' ([[Marathi language|Marathi]]: लवासा, lavāsā) is a [[private town|private]],<ref name=bbc>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-south-asia-12223024|title=India rules hill city 'illegal'|publisher=[[BBC News]]|date=2011-01-19}}</ref> [[planned city]] in the state of [[Maharashtra]] in [[India]] built near [[Pune]].<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Lavasa: India’s Dream City That Collapsed Under Its Own Ambition |url=https://www.rprealtyplus.com/newsviews/lavasa-indias-dream-city-that-collapsed-under-its-own-ambition-122577.html |access-date=2026-01-21 |website=Realty Plus Magazine |language=en}}</ref> It is stylistically based on the Italian town [[Portofino]], with a street and several buildings bearing the name of that town.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/cities/2015/nov/19/inside-lavasa-indian-city-built-private-corporation|first1=Matt|last1=Kennard|first2=Claire|last2=Provost|title=Inside Lavasa, India's first entirely private city built from scratch|work=[[The Guardian]]|date=2015-11-19}}</ref>


A {{convert|25000|acre|km2}}<ref name=bbc/> or {{convert|8000|acre|km2}}<ref>{{cite web|url=http://harvardmagazine.com/2009/09/architecture-imitates-life|title=Biomimicry: Architecture That Imitates Life|publisher=harvardmagazine.com|date=September–October 2009}}</ref> project being developed by [[Hindustan Construction Company|HCC]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.microsoft.com/Canada/casestudies/Case_Study_Detail.aspx?casestudyid=4000007468|title=Lavasa Corporation Ltd: India's First Planned Hill City Deploys Portal Solution to Empower Employees; Increases Collaboration and Efficiency|publisher=microsoft.com|date=31 May 2010}}</ref> this as-yet-incomplete city has been controversial for multiple reasons including procurement of land,<ref name=water2/> harm to the environment,<ref name=bbc/> and loans acquired through political corruption.<ref name=loans4bribes>{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/idUKSGE6AO03620101125|title=Suzlon, Lavasa among named in India bribery scam-reports|work=Reuters | date=25 November 2010}}</ref>
A {{convert|100|km2|adj=on}}<ref name=bbc/> or {{convert|32|km2|adj=on}}<ref>{{cite web|url=http://harvardmagazine.com/2009/09/architecture-imitates-life|title=Biomimicry: Architecture That Imitates Life|publisher=harvardmagazine.com|date=September–October 2009}}</ref> project being developed by [[Hindustan Construction Company|HCC]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.microsoft.com/Canada/casestudies/Case_Study_Detail.aspx?casestudyid=4000007468|title=Lavasa Corporation Ltd: India's First Planned Hill City Deploys Portal Solution to Empower Employees; Increases Collaboration and Efficiency|publisher=microsoft.com|date=31 May 2010}}</ref> this as-yet-incomplete city has been controversial for multiple reasons including procurement of land,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.landconflictwatch.org/conflicts/lavasa-versus-tribals#:~:text=Land%20Conflict%20Summary,land%20and%20violating%20environmental%20norms.|title= Lavasa Project in Maharashtra's Pune Abandoned, Adivasis Lose Agricultural Land|publisher=landconflictwatch.org|date=19 September 2016}}</ref> harm to the environment,<ref name=bbc/> and loans acquired through political corruption.<ref name=loans4bribes>{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/idUKSGE6AO03620101125|title=Suzlon, Lavasa among named in India bribery scam-reports|work=Reuters| date=25 November 2010}}</ref>
 
In late 2010, the [[Ministry of Environment and Forests (India)|Indian Environment and Forests Ministry]] ordered that construction cease because the project violated environmental laws.<ref name=stopc/>  As of late 2011, this order has been rescinded.<ref name=ipo2011/> The project's scale may have been reduced, however, and an [[initial public offering]] may not occur.<ref name=ipo2011>[http://in.reuters.com/article/idINIndia-60497120111113 HCC to revamp Lavasa finances, decide on IPO] reuters.com, 13 November 2011</ref> The head of the company working on the project said in 2013 that due to the Environment and Forests Ministry, the project had "lost three years".<ref name=ipo2013>[http://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/everything-is-backtable-including-lavasa-ipo-hcc_877396.html Everything is back on table including Lavasa IPO: HCC] moneycontrol.com, 29 May 2013</ref>


In late 2010, the [[Ministry of Environment and Forests (India)|Indian Environment and Forests Ministry]] ordered that construction cease because the project violated environmental laws.<ref name=stopc/> In 2011, this order has been rescinded.<ref>{{cite web |title=Environment Ministry gives nod to Lavasa hill city project |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/environment-ministry-gives-nod-to-lavasa-hill-city-project/article2612039.ece# |work=The Hindu |access-date=9 November 2011}}</ref> The project's scale may have been reduced, however, and an [[initial public offering]] may not occur.<ref>{{cite web |title=Lavasa Corporation gets Sebi nod to raise Rs 750 crore via IPO |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/markets/ipos/fpos/lavasa-corporation-gets-sebi-nod-to-raise-rs-750-crore-via-ipo/articleshow/45099026.cms?from=mdr|publisher=The Economic Times |access-date=10 November 2014}}</ref> In 2023, a resolution plan has been approved by the [[National Company Law Tribunal]], with Darwin Platform Infrastructure Ltd being declared as the successful bidder responsible for the city's construction.<ref>{{cite web |title=How the dream of an idyllic private hill city took shape — and then crashed into reality|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/india/how-an-unlikely-private-hill-city-bloomed-and-then-went-downhill/articleshow/102099927.cms?from=mdr|publisher=The Economic Times |access-date=25 July 2023}}</ref> As of late 2025 - 2026, The project has been abandoned due to debt, environmental issues, and poor planning.<ref name=":0" />
==History==
==History==
[[File:Lavasa Fortune Hotel courtyard, Lavasa, Maharashtra.jpg|thumb|Fortune Hotel, Lavasa]]
[[File:Lavasa Fortune Hotel courtyard, Lavasa, Maharashtra.jpg|thumb|Fortune Hotel, Lavasa]]
Billed as India's first [[hill station]] since [[Indian independence movement|independence]],<ref name=hills>{{cite web|url=https://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5iK6NTbE21WwVHWmJI-4JwBO3LUsg|title=India's newest hill station builds for the future|date=15 September 2009}}</ref> this private city is being constructed by a unit of Ajit Gulabchand.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/lavasa-hearing-idUSSGE70Q0AK20110127|title=HCC's Lavasa court hearing adjourned for 6 weeks|work=Reuters|date=27 January 2011}}</ref> The architectural team responsible for the design of the town wants it be an imitation of an Italian hill-side town<ref>{{cite book|last1=Kohli|first1=Kanchi (editor)|last2=Menon|first2=Manju (editor)|last3=Burte|first3=Himanshu|title=Business Interests and the Environmental Crisis|date=2016|publisher=Sage Publications, India|location=New Delhi|isbn=9789351508601|pages=70–73|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=S8kdDAAAQBAJ&q=lavasa+sharad+pawar+bribe&pg=PA60|access-date=15 September 2016}}</ref>
Billed as India's first [[hill station]] since [[Indian independence movement|independence]],<ref name="The Guardian">{{cite web |title=Inside Lavasa, India's first entirely private city built from scratch |url=https://www.theguardian.com/cities/2015/nov/19/inside-lavasa-indian-city-built-private-corporation |work=The Guardian |access-date=19 November 2015}}</ref> the plans for this private grand township were unveiled by Ajit Gulabchand in 2006.<ref>{{cite web |title=How HCC chief Ajit Gulabchand is tackling the challenges |url=https://www.businesstoday.in/magazine/cover-story/story/hindustan-construction-company-hcc-lavasa-woes-33839-2012-08-06 |publisher=Business Today |access-date=19 August 2012}}</ref> The architectural team responsible for the design of the town wanted it be an imitation of an Italian hill-side town.<ref name="The Guardian"/>
 
===Land===
===Land===
The area demarcated for Lavasa is located near [[Pune]] in the Mulshi valley<ref name=water2/> of the [[Western Ghats]].<ref name=forbes>{{cite news|url=https://blogs.forbes.com/timferguson/2010/12/20/a-stop-in-indias-lavasa/|title=A Stop in India's Lavasa|work=Forbes|date=20 December 2010|first=Tim|last=Ferguson}}</ref>
The area demarcated for Lavasa is located near [[Pune]] in the Mulshi valley<ref name=water2/> of the [[Western Ghats]].<ref name=forbes>{{cite news|url=https://blogs.forbes.com/timferguson/2010/12/20/a-stop-in-indias-lavasa/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101223042543/http://blogs.forbes.com/timferguson/2010/12/20/a-stop-in-indias-lavasa/|url-status=dead|archive-date=23 December 2010|title=A Stop in India's Lavasa|work=Forbes|date=20 December 2010|first=Tim|last=Ferguson}}</ref>
 
===Current progress===
===Current progress===
Construction of two out of the five planned towns is ongoing, and a number of residences have been completed as of 2013.<ref name=ipo2013/> By 2011 four hotels and a city centre were completed.<ref name=nepo/> A primary, middle, and high school, [[Le Mont High School, Lavasa|Le Mont High]], has been constructed as well.<ref name=lemont>[http://www.le-mont-high.org/about-message-head-of-school.htm From the Head of School's Desk] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110819222158/http://le-mont-high.org/about-message-head-of-school.htm |date=19 August 2011 }} Le Mont High official site. Retrieved 31 August 2011</ref> The town also boasts a hospitality management college, École hôtelière Lavasa.<ref>[http://www.ecolehotelierelavasa.com/ Ecole Hoteliere Lavasa] ecolehotelierelavasa.com</ref>
Construction of two out of the five planned towns is ongoing, and a number of residences have been completed as of 2013.<ref name=ipo2013>[http://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/everything-is-backtable-including-lavasa-ipo-hcc_877396.html Everything is back on table including Lavasa IPO: HCC] moneycontrol.com, 29 May 2013</ref> By 2011 four hotels and a city centre were completed.<ref name=nepo/> A primary, middle, and high school, Le Mont High, were constructed as well.<ref name=lemont>[http://www.le-mont-high.org/about-message-head-of-school.htm From the Head of School's Desk] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110819222158/http://le-mont-high.org/about-message-head-of-school.htm |date=19 August 2011 }} Le Mont High official site. Retrieved 31 August 2011</ref> The town also boasts a hospitality management college, École hôtelière Lavasa.<ref>{{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20090329082318/http://www.ecolehotelierelavasa.com/ Ecole Hoteliere Lavasa]}} ecolehotelierelavasa.com</ref>


===Administration===
===Administration===
Scot Wrighton is the administrator of the city as of 2011.<ref name=Atlanticist>{{cite web | url=https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2011/07/india-invents-a-city/308549/ | title=India Invents a City | publisher=Atlantic Media | work=The Atlantic | date=7 June 2011 | access-date=20 July 2013 | author=Kahn, Jeremy}}</ref>
Scot Wrighton was the administrator of the city as of 2011 and held the office until 2019.<ref name=Atlanticist>{{cite web | url=https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2011/07/india-invents-a-city/308549/ | title=India Invents a City | publisher=Atlantic Media | work=The Atlantic | date=7 June 2011 | access-date=20 July 2013 | author=Kahn, Jeremy}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Althoff |first=Kim |date=2019-01-09 |title=Scot Wrighton to be Named City Manager |url=https://decaturil.gov/scot-wrighton-to-be-named-city-manager/ |access-date=2022-07-11 |website=City of Decatur, IL |language=en-US}}</ref>


===Surrounding villages===
===Surrounding village===
Smaller, pre-existing communities sometimes interact with Lavasa and its residents. Some have been the focus of [[Corporate social responsibility|CSR]] efforts,<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.lavasa.com/lavasaadmin/pdfs/Lavasa%20Provides%20school%20uniforms%20to%20Under-Privledged%20students%20-%20Press%20Release.pdf | title=Lavasa Corporation provides school uniforms to underprivileged students from the local community | publisher=HCC | work=Lavasa Corporation | date=January 25, 2012 | access-date=14 September 2013}}
Smaller, pre-existing communities sometimes interact with Lavasa and its residents. Some have been the focus of [[Corporate social responsibility|CSR]] efforts,<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.lavasa.com/lavasaadmin/pdfs/Lavasa%20Provides%20school%20uniforms%20to%20Under-Privledged%20students%20-%20Press%20Release.pdf | title=Lavasa Corporation provides school uniforms to underprivileged students from the local community | publisher=HCC | work=Lavasa Corporation | date=25 January 2012 | access-date=14 September 2013}}
*{{cite web | url=http://www.lavasa.com/lavasaadmin/pdfs/Counseling%20Press%20Release%20September%2027%202012%20-%20Final.pdf | title=Lavasa organizes counselling sessions for Local youths | publisher=HCC | work=Lavasa Corporation | date=September 27, 2012 | access-date=14 September 2013}}</ref> and villagers provide construction labour to the project.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.dnaindia.com/mumbai/1511426/report-villagers-from-14-hamlets-supporting-lavasa-stage-protest | title=Villagers from 14 hamlets supporting Lavasa stage protest | publisher=Diligent Media Corporation Ltd | work=DNA | date=Feb 22, 2011 | access-date=14 September 2013 | author=Dinghe, S}}</ref>
*{{cite web | url=http://www.lavasa.com/lavasaadmin/pdfs/Counseling%20Press%20Release%20September%2027%202012%20-%20Final.pdf | title=Lavasa organizes counselling sessions for Local youths | publisher=HCC | work=Lavasa Corporation | date=27 September 2012 | access-date=14 September 2013}}</ref> and villagers provide construction labour to the project.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.dnaindia.com/mumbai/1511426/report-villagers-from-14-hamlets-supporting-lavasa-stage-protest | title=Villagers from 14 hamlets supporting Lavasa stage protest | publisher=Diligent Media Corporation Ltd | work=DNA | date=22 February 2011 | access-date=14 September 2013 | author=Dinghe, S}}</ref>


==Future plans==
==Future plans==
Lavasa has established a pattern of promoting planned partnerships with prestigious, overseas institutions that do not ultimately see fruition. Oxford University had at one point associated itself with the project, but other, name-brand plans including future sports facilities have yet to be officially canceled.
Lavasa has established a pattern of promoting planned partnerships with prestigious, overseas institutions that do not ultimately see fruition. Oxford University had at one point associated itself with the project, but other, name-brand plans including future sports facilities have yet to be officially cancelled.


The city has a better track record when it comes to construction; some sections are complete today. It is thought that Lavasa will not be finished before 2030 , however.<ref name="bs">{{cite web|url=http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/the-hillsalivethe-soundcontroversy/407277/|title=The hills are alive with the sound of controversy|work=Business Standard|date=7 September 2010 }}</ref> When fully built, its total population may be 200,000,<ref>{{cite web|last=Thekaekara|first=Tarsh|title=The great urban juggernaut|url=http://www.newint.org/columns/currents/2010/05/01/lavasa-indias-first-private-city/|work=New Internationalist|access-date=9 February 2011}}</ref> and it will consist of four or five towns built on seven hills.<ref>For four towns, see [http://www.lavasa.com/high/master_plan.aspx Discover Lavasa: Master Plan; A vision becomes reality] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101124182317/http://lavasa.com/high/master_plan.aspx |date=24 November 2010 }} Lavasa Official Site
The city has a better track record when it comes to construction; some sections are complete today. It is thought that Lavasa will not be finished before 2030, however.<ref name="bs">{{cite news|url=http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/the-hillsalivethe-soundcontroversy/407277/|title=The hills are alive with the sound of controversy|work=Business Standard|date=7 September 2010 |last1=Kamath|first1=Raghavendra}}</ref> When fully built, its total population may be 200,000,<ref>{{cite web|last=Thekaekara|first=Tarsh|title=The great urban juggernaut|url=http://www.newint.org/columns/currents/2010/05/01/lavasa-indias-first-private-city/|work=New Internationalist|date=May 2010|access-date=9 February 2011}}</ref> and it will consist of four or five towns built on seven hills.<ref>For four towns, see [http://www.lavasa.com/high/master_plan.aspx Discover Lavasa: Master Plan; A vision becomes reality] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101124182317/http://lavasa.com/high/master_plan.aspx |date=24 November 2010 }} Lavasa Official Site
*For five towns, see [http://www.lavasa.com/high/files/Lavasa_EBrochure.pdf Lavasa: Life in Full] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101216191410/http://lavasa.com/high/files/Lavasa_EBrochure.pdf |date=16 December 2010 }} Lavasa Official Site ('''Page 4''')
*For five towns, see [http://www.lavasa.com/high/files/Lavasa_EBrochure.pdf Lavasa: Life in Full] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101216191410/http://lavasa.com/high/files/Lavasa_EBrochure.pdf |date=16 December 2010 }} Lavasa Official Site ('''Page 4''')
*For seven hills, see [http://www.lavasa.com/high/files/Lavasa_EBrochure.pdf Lavasa: Life in Full.] Lavasa Official Site ('''page 2''')</ref> The first of these, Dasve, was initially slated to be complete by 2010<ref name=hills/> although some residences there were still under construction as of 2013.<ref name=ipo2013/> Mugaon, the second town, may be finished in 2013,<ref name=bs/> and as of May, 2013, construction continues.<ref name=ipo2013/> Work on this town began in mid-2012.<ref name=help4locals>{{cite news | title =Medha Patkar will hold the torch at Lavasa camp | newspaper =Pune Mirror | date =11 May 2012 | url =http://www.punemirror.in/article/2/20120511201205110317458592daa7b13/Medha-Patkar-will-hold-the-torch-at-Lavasa-camp.html | access-date =2012-05-14 | url-status =dead | archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20120528235338/http://www.punemirror.in/article/2/20120511201205110317458592daa7b13/Medha-Patkar-will-hold-the-torch-at-Lavasa-camp.html | archive-date =28 May 2012 | df =dmy-all }}</ref> In 2013, the chairman of the construction company building the project confirmed that Lavasa will include four large towns.<ref name=ipo2013/>
*For seven hills, see [http://www.lavasa.com/high/files/Lavasa_EBrochure.pdf Lavasa: Life in Full.]   yes Lavasa Official Site ('''page 2''')</ref> The first of these, Dasve, was initially slated to be complete by 2010<ref name=hills>{{cite web|url=https://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5iK6NTbE21WwVHWmJI-4JwBO3LUsg|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101118072435/http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5iK6NTbE21WwVHWmJI-4JwBO3LUsg|url-status=dead|archive-date=18 November 2010|title=India's newest hill station builds for the future|date=15 September 2009}}</ref> although some residences there were still under construction as of 2013.<ref name=ipo2013/> Mugaon, the second town, may be finished in 2013,<ref name=bs/> and as of May, 2013, construction continues.<ref name=ipo2013/> Work on this town began in mid-2012.<ref name=help4locals>{{cite news | title =Medha Patkar will hold the torch at Lavasa camp | newspaper =Pune Mirror | date =11 May 2012 | url =http://www.punemirror.in/article/2/20120511201205110317458592daa7b13/Medha-Patkar-will-hold-the-torch-at-Lavasa-camp.html | access-date =2012-05-14 | url-status =dead | archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20120528235338/http://www.punemirror.in/article/2/20120511201205110317458592daa7b13/Medha-Patkar-will-hold-the-torch-at-Lavasa-camp.html | archive-date =28 May 2012 }}</ref> In 2013, the chairman of the construction company building the project confirmed that Lavasa will include four large towns.<ref name=ipo2013/>


===Sports facilities===
==Insolvency==
Planned sports facilities include a [[Nick Faldo]]-designed golf course and a [[Manchester City F.C.|Manchester City]]-branded football academy.<ref>For the golf course, see [https://web.archive.org/web/20120216044128/http://www.nickfaldo.com/archive/news/story/80 Faldo signs ‘stunning’ Indian course design project] nickfaldo.com, 8 June 2009 '''cached'''
*For the football academy, see {{cite web|url=http://www.mcfc.co.uk/News/Club-news/2010/May/Blues-to-open-academy-in-India |title=Blues to open academy in India |access-date=28 May 2010 |date=28 May 2010 |publisher=Manchester City F.C. }}</ref>


However, the Nick Faldo website no longer touts the golf course,<ref>{{citation | title =Your search yielded no results |url=http://nickfaldo.com/search/node/lavasa| publisher= nickfaldo.com | access-date = 2013-09-13}}</ref> and a 2010 press release is the sole communication Manchester City has made in reference to a football academy.
On August 30, 2018, the NCLT Mumbai Bench admitted an insolvency petition against Lavasa Corp. Ltd. (subsidiary of Hindustan Construction Co. Ltd) filed by one of its creditors, Raj Infrastructure Development (India) Pvt. Ltd.<ref>{{Cite web |title=India: Insolvency plea against Lavasa Corp admitted by NCLT |url=https://ssrana.in/articles/india-insolvency-plea-against-lavasa-corp-admitted-by-nclt/ |access-date=2026-03-28 |website=S.S. Rana & Co. |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Bureau |first=Our |date=2018-08-30 |title=NCLT admits insolvency plea against Lavasa |url=https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/companies/nclt-admits-insolvency-plea-against-lavasa/article24823461.ece |access-date=2026-03-28 |website=BusinessLine |language=en}}</ref>


===Theme park===
As of 2023, the city's acquisition was approved by the [[National Company Law Tribunal]] to Darwin Platform Infrastructure Limited (DPIL) for ₹1,814 crore.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-07-23 |title=Lavasa, India's First Private Hill Station Sold To Darwin Platform For Rs 1,814 Crore |url=https://www.thedailyjagran.com/business/lavasa-indias-first-private-hill-station-sold-to-darwin-platform-for-rs-1814-crore-10089455 |access-date=2023-12-17 |website=English Jagran |language=en}}</ref>  
A [[theme park]] of over {{convert|65|acres|km2}} in size is planned.<ref>{{cite news | title =Lavasa to host SpaceWorld, Asia's first space edutainment centre at Rs400 crore investment | newspaper =The Financial Express | publisher =The Indian Express Limited | date =21 January 2009 | url =http://www.financialexpress.com/news/lavasa-to-host-spaceworld-asias-first-space-edutainment-centre-at-rs-400-crore-investment/413522/0 | access-date = 2012-05-14}}</ref>


===Education===
In September 2024, the NCLT scrapped the DPIL resolution plan and directed a fresh insolvency proceeding, taking the situation of development of Lavasa to the same as in 2018.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Lavasa project in Maharashtra's Pune abandoned, Adivasis lose agricultural land {{!}} Pune,Maharashtra |url=https://www.landconflictwatch.org/conflicts/lavasa-versus-tribals |access-date=2026-03-28 |website=www.landconflictwatch.org}}</ref>
Lavasa may go on to host one university.<ref name=forbes/> Initially partnering with [[Oxford University]],<ref name=twentytwenty>[http://www.thehindubusinessline.in/2008/06/22/stories/2008062251270100.htm A modern township nestled in the Sahyadris] ''Business Line''.in, 2008/06/22</ref><ref name=oxford>[https://archive.today/20130126021816/http://www.hindu.com/2009/08/31/stories/2009083161211800.htm Oxford dragged into ‘land-grab’ scam] ''The Hindu'', by Hasan Suroor. Monday, 31 August 2009</ref> by 2010 this British institution detached itself from the project.<ref>[http://www.newint.org/columns/currents/2010/05/01/lavasa-indias-first-private-city/ The great urban juggernaut: India’s first ‘private city’ will do nothing to help the poor] newint.org, 1 May 2010</ref> As of 2010, [[Symbiosis International University]] is planning to set up a new liberal arts college campus in the township.<ref>[http://www.indianexpress.com/news/symbiosis-to-start-liberal-arts-institute/586682/ Symbiosis to start liberal arts institute]. ''The Indian Express'', 4 March 2010</ref> As of June 2020, Christ University at Lavasa (Dasve in Mulshi Taluka of Pune District - 412112) offers various UG and PG programmes. The courses include BA-LLB & BBA-LLB (Honours), BBA in Business Analytics, B.Com in Financial Analytics, B.Sc in Data Science, B.Sc in Economics & Analytics, M.Sc in Data Science, MA in Business Economics, M.Sc in Finance, MBA and PhD in few disciplines.


===Other facilities===
== Education ==
A {{convert|200|acre}} health and wellness centre<ref name=twentytwenty/> and an herb plantation<ref name=water1/> are also planned.
The [[Christ_University|CHRIST (Deemed to be University)]] Pune Lavasa (Residential) campus is an off campus Institution of CHRIST (Deemed to be University) Bangalore, which was established in Lavasa in 2014 is the only active educational institution in Lavasa.


==Awards and recognition==
==Awards and recognition==
Line 102: Line 97:


===Environmental damage===
===Environmental damage===
An Indian [[Ministry of Environment and Forests (India)|Ministry of Environment and Forests]] team investigating Lavasa concluded that the city has caused [[environmental degradation|environmental damage]],<ref name=bbc/><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/maharashtra-govt-gets-moef-order-for-action-against-lavasa/438696/|title=Maharashtra govt gets MoEF order for action against Lavasa|date=11 June 2011|work=Business Standard}}</ref> since Lavasa is built "in the scenic hills of the Western Ghats, a [[UNESCO]] [[World heritage site]] known for its evergreen tropical forests that shelter 325 species of vulnerable or endangered animals, birds and fauna."<ref>[https://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/how-the-unfinished-city-of-lavasa-became-a-nightmare-for-indian-banks-118061900095_1.html How the unfinished city of Lavasa became a nightmare for Indian banks]</ref>
An Indian [[Ministry of Environment and Forests (India)|Ministry of Environment and Forests]] team investigating Lavasa concluded that the city has caused [[environmental degradation|environmental damage]],<ref name=bbc/><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/maharashtra-govt-gets-moef-order-for-action-against-lavasa/438696/|title=Maharashtra govt gets MoEF order for action against Lavasa|date=11 June 2011|work=Business Standard}}</ref> since Lavasa is built "in the scenic hills of the Western Ghats, a [[UNESCO]] [[World Heritage Site]] known for its evergreen tropical forests that shelter 325 species of vulnerable or endangered animals, birds and fauna."<ref>[https://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/how-the-unfinished-city-of-lavasa-became-a-nightmare-for-indian-banks-118061900095_1.html How the unfinished city of Lavasa became a nightmare for Indian banks]</ref>
Post reviewing the project, this ministry provided clearance on 9 November 2011 to Lavasa with specific conditions, such as a cessation of hill cutting activities, building of a sewage treatment plant, and anti-poverty CSR measures aimed at the local population.<ref>[http://moef.nic.in/downloads/public-information/Lavasa_order_Ph_1.pdf Indian Ministry of Environment and Forest Website]</ref>
Post reviewing the project, this ministry provided clearance on 9 November 2011 to Lavasa with specific conditions, such as a cessation of hill cutting activities, building of a sewage treatment plant, and anti-poverty CSR measures aimed at the local population.<ref>[http://moef.nic.in/downloads/public-information/Lavasa_order_Ph_1.pdf Indian Ministry of Environment and Forest Website]</ref>


====Quarrying====
====Quarrying====
While Lavasa has stone crushing permits, its operations have been described as "hill cutting" and "quarrying" by the Indian Ministry of Environment and Forests, and the environmental impact of these activities was investigated.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hindu.com/2011/02/18/stories/2011021852450500.htm|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130126001823/http://www.hindu.com/2011/02/18/stories/2011021852450500.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=26 January 2013|title=Lavasa under scanner for quarrying|first=Amruta|last=Byatnal|date=18 February 2011|work=[[The Hindu]]|location=Chennai, India}}</ref>
While Lavasa has stone crushing permits, its operations have been described as "hill cutting" and "quarrying" by the Indian Ministry of Environment and Forests, and the environmental impact of these activities was investigated.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hindu.com/2011/02/18/stories/2011021852450500.htm|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130126001823/http://www.hindu.com/2011/02/18/stories/2011021852450500.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=26 January 2013|title=Lavasa under scanner for quarrying|first=Amruta|last=Byatnal|date=18 February 2011|work=[[The Hindu]]|location=Chennai, India}}</ref>
In 2014, Mrs. Jayanti Natarajan, in her open letter to Congress president, stated that she had got a specific input from Mr. Rahul Gandhi's office to stall the project.<ref>http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/full-text-of-jayanthi-natarajans-letter-to-sonia-gandhi/article6835522.ece</ref>
In 2014, Mrs. Jayanti Natarajan, in her open letter to Congress president, stated that she had got a specific input from Rahul Gandhi's office to stall the project.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/full-text-of-jayanthi-natarajans-letter-to-sonia-gandhi/article6835522.ece|title = The Hindu Exclusive: Jayanthi Natarajan's letter to Sonia Gandhi|newspaper = The Hindu|date = 30 January 2015}}</ref>


===Land acquisition===
===Land acquisition===
Both government and individual land owners have taken issue with Lavasa's land acquisition approach.
Both government and individual land owners have taken issue with Lavasa's land acquisition approach.


A report by the [[Maharashtra]] environment department claims {{convert|600|ha|km2}} of land bought by Lavasa Corporation was purchased from farmers who had been granted it by the Indian State. Because of the way in which the farmers obtained the land, three fourths of the purchase price should have been paid to the State. The report states Lavasa Corporation only paid 2%. It also alleges that {{convert|141|ha|acre}} of Lavasa were leased for far less than its actual value by the Maharashtra Krishna Valley Development Corporation and that Lavasa bought {{convert|98|ha|acre}} of land without license.<ref name=ET-Nov27>{{cite news|title=SHOWCAUSE NOTICE: JAIRAM ORDERS WORK TO STOP – Lavasa lands in trouble for flouting green laws|url=http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Default/Layout/Includes/ETNEW/ArtWin.asp?From=Archive&Source=Page&Skin=ETNEW&BaseHref=ETD%2F2010%2F11%2F27&ViewMode=HTML&GZ=T&PageLabel=1&EntityId=Ar00100&AppName=1|access-date=9 February 2011|newspaper=The Economic Times|date=27 November 2010}}</ref>
A report by the [[Maharashtra]] environment department claims {{convert|600|ha|acre}} of land bought by Lavasa Corporation was purchased from farmers who had been granted it by the Indian State. Because of the way in which the farmers obtained the land, three fourths of the purchase price should have been paid to the State. The report states Lavasa Corporation only paid 2%. It also alleges that {{convert|141|ha|acre}} of Lavasa were leased for far less than its actual value by the Maharashtra Krishna Valley Development Corporation and that Lavasa bought {{convert|98|ha|acre}} of land without license.<ref name=ET-Nov27>{{cite news|title=SHOWCAUSE NOTICE: JAIRAM ORDERS WORK TO STOP – Lavasa lands in trouble for flouting green laws|url=http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Default/Layout/Includes/ETNEW/ArtWin.asp?From=Archive&Source=Page&Skin=ETNEW&BaseHref=ETD%2F2010%2F11%2F27&ViewMode=HTML&GZ=T&PageLabel=1&EntityId=Ar00100&AppName=1|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120826042207/http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Default/Layout/Includes/ETNEW/ArtWin.asp?From=Archive&Source=Page&Skin=ETNEW&BaseHref=ETD%2F2010%2F11%2F27&ViewMode=HTML&GZ=T&PageLabel=1&EntityId=Ar00100&AppName=1|url-status=dead|archive-date=26 August 2012|access-date=9 February 2011|newspaper=The Economic Times|date=27 November 2010}}</ref>


Some also say that Lavasa is being built on what was obtained through coercion.<ref name=water2>{{cite web|url=http://www.downtoearth.org.in/node/4987|title=Howl of the hills|publisher=downtoearth.org.in|author=Jamwal, Nidhi|date=15 September 2008}}</ref> However, Lavasa Corporation denies this.<ref name=nepo>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/article859868.ece|title=Symbolic of luxury, Lavasa is built on irregularities|first=Amruta|last=Byatnal|date=31 October 2010|access-date=21 February 2011|location=Chennai, India|work=The Hindu}}</ref>
Some also say that Lavasa is being built on what was obtained through coercion.<ref name=water2>{{cite web|url=http://www.downtoearth.org.in/node/4987|title=Howl of the hills|publisher=downtoearth.org.in|author=Jamwal, Nidhi|date=15 September 2008}}</ref> However, Lavasa Corporation denies this.<ref name=nepo>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/article859868.ece|title=Symbolic of luxury, Lavasa is built on irregularities|first=Amruta|last=Byatnal|date=31 October 2010|access-date=21 February 2011|location=Chennai, India|work=The Hindu}}</ref>


===Use of water resources===
===Use of water resources===
Lavasa will use the same water resources that currently supply [[Pune]], and it is claimed that this move is likely to cause a supply shortage.<ref name=water1>[http://www.expressindia.com/latest-news/water-being-diverted-to-lavasa-alleges-patkar/486570/ Water being diverted to Lavasa, alleges Patkar] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121011195454/http://www.expressindia.com/latest-news/water-being-diverted-to-lavasa-alleges-patkar/486570/ |date=11 October 2012 }}, ''The Indian Express'', 8 July 2009</ref> A 2011 report by the Expert Appraisal Committee of the Union Environment Ministry concluded that there will be no impact on Pune's water supply, however.<ref>[http://rtn.asia/451_lavasa-showed-higher-fsi-jairam-rameshs-moef Lavasa showed higher FSI : Jairam Ramesh's MoEF Committee] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130415175122/http://rtn.asia/451_lavasa-showed-higher-fsi-jairam-rameshs-moef |date=15 April 2013 }} rtn.asia, 24 May 2011</ref>
Lavasa will use the same water resources that currently supply [[Pune]], and it is claimed that this move is likely to cause a supply shortage.<ref name=water1>[http://www.expressindia.com/latest-news/water-being-diverted-to-lavasa-alleges-patkar/486570/ Water being diverted to Lavasa, alleges Patkar] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121011195454/http://www.expressindia.com/latest-news/water-being-diverted-to-lavasa-alleges-patkar/486570/ |date=11 October 2012 }}, ''The Indian Express'', 8 July 2009</ref> However, a 2011 report by the Expert Appraisal Committee of the Union Environment Ministry concluded that there will be no impact on Pune's water supply.<ref>[http://rtn.asia/451_lavasa-showed-higher-fsi-jairam-rameshs-moef Lavasa showed higher FSI : Jairam Ramesh's MoEF Committee] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130415175122/http://rtn.asia/451_lavasa-showed-higher-fsi-jairam-rameshs-moef |date=15 April 2013 }} rtn.asia, 24 May 2011</ref>


===Orders to halt construction===
===Orders to halt construction===
For a one-year period from late 2010 to late 2011, construction of Lavasa had to be halted due to orders issued by the [[Ministry of Environment and Forests]].<ref name=ipo2011/> In late 2010, it ordered Lavasa Corporation to halt further construction for not having gathered proper clearances.<ref name=stopc>{{cite news|url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/news-by-industry/indl-goods-/-svs/construction/Environment-Ministry-asks-Lavasa-to-halt-project/articleshow/6994372.cms|title=Environment Ministry asks Lavasa to halt project|work=The Economic Times | date=26 November 2010}}</ref> In November 2011, this ministry relented, and construction is no longer impeded by law.<ref name=ipo2011/> While grant of an environmental clearance was recommended in May, 2011, Lavasa was only alerted to the fact that clearance was granted on 9 November 2011.<ref>{{cite conference  | first = Paryavaran  | last = Bhawan  | title = Environmental Clearance for the Development of Hill Station Township at Village Mulshi and Velhe Talukas, District Pune, Maharashtra my M/s. Lavasa Corporation Ltd. —regarding.  | publisher = Government of India Ministry of Environment and Forests  | date = 9 November 2011  | location = New Delhi  | url = http://moef.nic.in/downloads/public-information/Lavasa_order_Ph_1.pdf  | access-date = 2011-01-18}}</ref>
For a one-year period from late 2010 to late 2011, construction of Lavasa was halted due to orders issued by the [[Ministry of Environment and Forests]].<ref name=ipo2011>[https://web.archive.org/web/20160428012930/http://in.reuters.com/article/idINIndia-60497120111113 HCC to revamp Lavasa finances, decide on IPO] reuters.com, 13 November 2011</ref> In late 2010, it ordered Lavasa Corporation to halt further construction for not having gathered proper clearances.<ref name=stopc>{{cite news|url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/news-by-industry/indl-goods-/-svs/construction/Environment-Ministry-asks-Lavasa-to-halt-project/articleshow/6994372.cms|title=Environment Ministry asks Lavasa to halt project|work=The Economic Times | date=26 November 2010}}</ref> In November 2011, this ministry relented, and construction is no longer impeded by law.<ref name=ipo2011/> While grant of an environmental clearance was recommended in May, 2011, Lavasa was only alerted to the fact that clearance was granted on 9 November 2011.<ref>{{cite conference  | first = Paryavaran  | last = Bhawan  | title = Environmental Clearance for the Development of Hill Station Township at Village Mulshi and Velhe Talukas, District Pune, Maharashtra my M/s. Lavasa Corporation Ltd. —regarding.  | publisher = Government of India Ministry of Environment and Forests  | date = 9 November 2011  | location = New Delhi  | url = http://moef.nic.in/downloads/public-information/Lavasa_order_Ph_1.pdf  | access-date = 2011-01-18}}</ref>


===Nepotism===
===Accusations of nepotism===
[[Sharad Pawar]], an Indian politician born in the state of Maharashtra, is alleged to have demanded compensation for allowing Lavasa to be constructed. When Lavasa Corporation was receiving necessary clearances from the government of Maharashtra, relatives of Pawar had part-ownership of the company developing the project.<ref name=nepotism1>{{cite news|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/mumbai/special_lavasa-trail-reinforces-the-sharad-pawar-connection-and-ipl-link_1486204|title=Lavasa trail reinforces the Sharad Pawar connection & IPL link
[[Sharad Pawar]], an Indian politician born in the state of Maharashtra, is alleged to have demanded compensation for allowing Lavasa to be constructed. When Lavasa Corporation was receiving necessary clearances from the government of Maharashtra, relatives of Pawar had part-ownership of the company developing the project.<ref name=nepotism1>{{cite news|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/mumbai/special_lavasa-trail-reinforces-the-sharad-pawar-connection-and-ipl-link_1486204|title=Lavasa trail reinforces the Sharad Pawar connection & IPL link
|first=Abhay|last=Vaidya|publisher=DNA|date=26 December 2010|place=Pune|access-date=21 February 2011}}</ref> Pawar's daughter and son-in-law had more than 20% ownership between 2002 and 2004, and they later sold their stakes.<ref name=nepo/> A nephew of his was the chairman of Maharashtra Krishna Valley Development Corporation when it signed off on lease agreements for Lavasa and allowed Lavasa to store water and build dams.<ref name=nepotism1/>
|first=Abhay|last=Vaidya|publisher=DNA|date=26 December 2010|place=Pune|access-date=21 February 2011}}</ref> Pawar's daughter and son-in-law had more than 20% ownership between 2002 and 2004, and they later sold their stakes.<ref name=nepo/> A nephew of his was the chairman of Maharashtra Krishna Valley Development Corporation when it signed off on lease agreements for Lavasa and allowed Lavasa to store water and build dams.<ref name=nepotism1/>


==See also==
==See also==
{{Portal|India}}
*[[Aamby Valley City]]
*[[Aamby Valley City]]


==References==
==References==
{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}
{{Reflist}}


{{Western Ghats}}
{{Western Ghats}}


 
[[Category:Planned communities in India]]
 
[[Category:Private cities]]
[[Category:Planned cities in India]]
[[Category:Cities and towns in Pune district]]
[[Category:Cities and towns in Pune district]]
[[Category:Populated places in the Western Ghats]]
[[Category:Populated places in the Western Ghats]]
[[Category:Planned cities]]
[[Category:New Urbanism communities]]
[[Category:New Urbanism communities]]
[[Category:Resorts in India]]
[[Category:Resorts in India]]

Latest revision as of 11:51, 28 March 2026

For other uses, see Lavasa (disambiguation).
Lavasa
Planned city
Hill city
View of Lavasa hills
View of Lavasa hills
Lavasa is located in Maharashtra
Lavasa
Lavasa
Location in Maharashtra, India
Coordinates: 18°24′19″N 73°30′23″E / 18.40528°N 73.50627°E / 18.40528; 73.50627
Country India
StateMaharashtra
DistrictPune district
Area
 • Total100 km2 (40 sq mi)
Elevation
630 m (2,070 ft)
Languages
 • OfficialMarathi
Time zoneUTC+5:30 (IST)
PIN
412107
Websitewww.lavasa.com

Lavasa (Marathi: लवासा, lavāsā) is a private,[1] planned city in the state of Maharashtra in India built near Pune.[2] It is stylistically based on the Italian town Portofino, with a street and several buildings bearing the name of that town.[3]

A 100-square-kilometre (39 sq mi)[1] or 32-square-kilometre (12 sq mi)[4] project being developed by HCC,[5] this as-yet-incomplete city has been controversial for multiple reasons including procurement of land,[6] harm to the environment,[1] and loans acquired through political corruption.[7]

In late 2010, the Indian Environment and Forests Ministry ordered that construction cease because the project violated environmental laws.[8] In 2011, this order has been rescinded.[9] The project's scale may have been reduced, however, and an initial public offering may not occur.[10] In 2023, a resolution plan has been approved by the National Company Law Tribunal, with Darwin Platform Infrastructure Ltd being declared as the successful bidder responsible for the city's construction.[11] As of late 2025 - 2026, The project has been abandoned due to debt, environmental issues, and poor planning.[2]

History[edit | edit source]

Fortune Hotel, Lavasa

Billed as India's first hill station since independence,[12] the plans for this private grand township were unveiled by Ajit Gulabchand in 2006.[13] The architectural team responsible for the design of the town wanted it be an imitation of an Italian hill-side town.[12]

Land[edit | edit source]

The area demarcated for Lavasa is located near Pune in the Mulshi valley[14] of the Western Ghats.[15]

Current progress[edit | edit source]

Construction of two out of the five planned towns is ongoing, and a number of residences have been completed as of 2013.[16] By 2011 four hotels and a city centre were completed.[17] A primary, middle, and high school, Le Mont High, were constructed as well.[18] The town also boasts a hospitality management college, École hôtelière Lavasa.[19]

Administration[edit | edit source]

Scot Wrighton was the administrator of the city as of 2011 and held the office until 2019.[20][21]

Surrounding village[edit | edit source]

Smaller, pre-existing communities sometimes interact with Lavasa and its residents. Some have been the focus of CSR efforts,[22] and villagers provide construction labour to the project.[23]

Future plans[edit | edit source]

Lavasa has established a pattern of promoting planned partnerships with prestigious, overseas institutions that do not ultimately see fruition. Oxford University had at one point associated itself with the project, but other, name-brand plans including future sports facilities have yet to be officially cancelled.

The city has a better track record when it comes to construction; some sections are complete today. It is thought that Lavasa will not be finished before 2030, however.[24] When fully built, its total population may be 200,000,[25] and it will consist of four or five towns built on seven hills.[26] The first of these, Dasve, was initially slated to be complete by 2010[27] although some residences there were still under construction as of 2013.[16] Mugaon, the second town, may be finished in 2013,[24] and as of May, 2013, construction continues.[16] Work on this town began in mid-2012.[28] In 2013, the chairman of the construction company building the project confirmed that Lavasa will include four large towns.[16]

Insolvency[edit | edit source]

On August 30, 2018, the NCLT Mumbai Bench admitted an insolvency petition against Lavasa Corp. Ltd. (subsidiary of Hindustan Construction Co. Ltd) filed by one of its creditors, Raj Infrastructure Development (India) Pvt. Ltd.[29][30]

As of 2023, the city's acquisition was approved by the National Company Law Tribunal to Darwin Platform Infrastructure Limited (DPIL) for ₹1,814 crore.[31]

In September 2024, the NCLT scrapped the DPIL resolution plan and directed a fresh insolvency proceeding, taking the situation of development of Lavasa to the same as in 2018.[32]

Education[edit | edit source]

The CHRIST (Deemed to be University) Pune Lavasa (Residential) campus is an off campus Institution of CHRIST (Deemed to be University) Bangalore, which was established in Lavasa in 2014 is the only active educational institution in Lavasa.

Awards and recognition[edit | edit source]

Architecture at Lavasa

Lavasa has won several awards for its plans and designs. In 2005, Dasve village in Lavasa won awards from the Congress for the New Urbanism and the American Society of Landscape Architects.[33] In 2009, the St. Louis chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects recognised the Lavasa landscape master plan with a merit award.[34]

Controversies[edit | edit source]

Environmental damage[edit | edit source]

An Indian Ministry of Environment and Forests team investigating Lavasa concluded that the city has caused environmental damage,[1][35] since Lavasa is built "in the scenic hills of the Western Ghats, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its evergreen tropical forests that shelter 325 species of vulnerable or endangered animals, birds and fauna."[36] Post reviewing the project, this ministry provided clearance on 9 November 2011 to Lavasa with specific conditions, such as a cessation of hill cutting activities, building of a sewage treatment plant, and anti-poverty CSR measures aimed at the local population.[37]

Quarrying[edit | edit source]

While Lavasa has stone crushing permits, its operations have been described as "hill cutting" and "quarrying" by the Indian Ministry of Environment and Forests, and the environmental impact of these activities was investigated.[38] In 2014, Mrs. Jayanti Natarajan, in her open letter to Congress president, stated that she had got a specific input from Rahul Gandhi's office to stall the project.[39]

Land acquisition[edit | edit source]

Both government and individual land owners have taken issue with Lavasa's land acquisition approach.

A report by the Maharashtra environment department claims 600 hectares (1,500 acres) of land bought by Lavasa Corporation was purchased from farmers who had been granted it by the Indian State. Because of the way in which the farmers obtained the land, three fourths of the purchase price should have been paid to the State. The report states Lavasa Corporation only paid 2%. It also alleges that 141 hectares (350 acres) of Lavasa were leased for far less than its actual value by the Maharashtra Krishna Valley Development Corporation and that Lavasa bought 98 hectares (240 acres) of land without license.[40]

Some also say that Lavasa is being built on what was obtained through coercion.[14] However, Lavasa Corporation denies this.[17]

Use of water resources[edit | edit source]

Lavasa will use the same water resources that currently supply Pune, and it is claimed that this move is likely to cause a supply shortage.[41] However, a 2011 report by the Expert Appraisal Committee of the Union Environment Ministry concluded that there will be no impact on Pune's water supply.[42]

Orders to halt construction[edit | edit source]

For a one-year period from late 2010 to late 2011, construction of Lavasa was halted due to orders issued by the Ministry of Environment and Forests.[43] In late 2010, it ordered Lavasa Corporation to halt further construction for not having gathered proper clearances.[8] In November 2011, this ministry relented, and construction is no longer impeded by law.[43] While grant of an environmental clearance was recommended in May, 2011, Lavasa was only alerted to the fact that clearance was granted on 9 November 2011.[44]

Accusations of nepotism[edit | edit source]

Sharad Pawar, an Indian politician born in the state of Maharashtra, is alleged to have demanded compensation for allowing Lavasa to be constructed. When Lavasa Corporation was receiving necessary clearances from the government of Maharashtra, relatives of Pawar had part-ownership of the company developing the project.[45] Pawar's daughter and son-in-law had more than 20% ownership between 2002 and 2004, and they later sold their stakes.[17] A nephew of his was the chairman of Maharashtra Krishna Valley Development Corporation when it signed off on lease agreements for Lavasa and allowed Lavasa to store water and build dams.[45]

See also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 "India rules hill city 'illegal'". BBC News. 19 January 2011.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 "Lavasa: India's Dream City That Collapsed Under Its Own Ambition". Realty Plus Magazine. Retrieved 21 January 2026.
  3. ↑ Kennard, Matt; Provost, Claire (19 November 2015). "Inside Lavasa, India's first entirely private city built from scratch". The Guardian.
  4. ↑ "Biomimicry: Architecture That Imitates Life". harvardmagazine.com. September–October 2009.
  5. ↑ "Lavasa Corporation Ltd: India's First Planned Hill City Deploys Portal Solution to Empower Employees; Increases Collaboration and Efficiency". microsoft.com. 31 May 2010.
  6. ↑ "Lavasa Project in Maharashtra's Pune Abandoned, Adivasis Lose Agricultural Land". landconflictwatch.org. 19 September 2016.
  7. ↑ "Suzlon, Lavasa among named in India bribery scam-reports". Reuters. 25 November 2010.
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 "Environment Ministry asks Lavasa to halt project". The Economic Times. 26 November 2010.
  9. ↑ "Environment Ministry gives nod to Lavasa hill city project". The Hindu. Retrieved 9 November 2011.
  10. ↑ "Lavasa Corporation gets Sebi nod to raise Rs 750 crore via IPO". The Economic Times. Retrieved 10 November 2014.
  11. ↑ "How the dream of an idyllic private hill city took shape — and then crashed into reality". The Economic Times. Retrieved 25 July 2023.
  12. ↑ 12.0 12.1 "Inside Lavasa, India's first entirely private city built from scratch". The Guardian. Retrieved 19 November 2015.
  13. ↑ "How HCC chief Ajit Gulabchand is tackling the challenges". Business Today. Retrieved 19 August 2012.
  14. ↑ 14.0 14.1 Jamwal, Nidhi (15 September 2008). "Howl of the hills". downtoearth.org.in.
  15. ↑ Ferguson, Tim (20 December 2010). "A Stop in India's Lavasa". Forbes. Archived from the original on 23 December 2010.
  16. ↑ 16.0 16.1 16.2 16.3 Everything is back on table including Lavasa IPO: HCC moneycontrol.com, 29 May 2013
  17. ↑ 17.0 17.1 17.2 Byatnal, Amruta (31 October 2010). "Symbolic of luxury, Lavasa is built on irregularities". The Hindu. Chennai, India. Retrieved 21 February 2011.
  18. ↑ From the Head of School's Desk Archived 19 August 2011 at the Wayback Machine Le Mont High official site. Retrieved 31 August 2011
  19. ↑ Ecole Hoteliere Lavasa[usurped] ecolehotelierelavasa.com
  20. ↑ Kahn, Jeremy (7 June 2011). "India Invents a City". The Atlantic. Atlantic Media. Retrieved 20 July 2013.
  21. ↑ Althoff, Kim (9 January 2019). "Scot Wrighton to be Named City Manager". City of Decatur, IL. Retrieved 11 July 2022.
  22. ↑ "Lavasa Corporation provides school uniforms to underprivileged students from the local community" (PDF). Lavasa Corporation. HCC. 25 January 2012. Retrieved 14 September 2013.
  23. ↑ Dinghe, S (22 February 2011). "Villagers from 14 hamlets supporting Lavasa stage protest". DNA. Diligent Media Corporation Ltd. Retrieved 14 September 2013.
  24. ↑ 24.0 24.1 Kamath, Raghavendra (7 September 2010). "The hills are alive with the sound of controversy". Business Standard.
  25. ↑ Thekaekara, Tarsh (May 2010). "The great urban juggernaut". New Internationalist. Retrieved 9 February 2011.
  26. ↑ For four towns, see Discover Lavasa: Master Plan; A vision becomes reality Archived 24 November 2010 at the Wayback Machine Lavasa Official Site
  27. ↑ "India's newest hill station builds for the future". 15 September 2009. Archived from the original on 18 November 2010.
  28. ↑ "Medha Patkar will hold the torch at Lavasa camp". Pune Mirror. 11 May 2012. Archived from the original on 28 May 2012. Retrieved 14 May 2012.
  29. ↑ "India: Insolvency plea against Lavasa Corp admitted by NCLT". S.S. Rana & Co. Retrieved 28 March 2026.
  30. ↑ Bureau, Our (30 August 2018). "NCLT admits insolvency plea against Lavasa". BusinessLine. Retrieved 28 March 2026. {{cite web}}: |last= has generic name (help)
  31. ↑ "Lavasa, India's First Private Hill Station Sold To Darwin Platform For Rs 1,814 Crore". English Jagran. 23 July 2023. Retrieved 17 December 2023.
  32. ↑ "Lavasa project in Maharashtra's Pune abandoned, Adivasis lose agricultural land | Pune,Maharashtra". www.landconflictwatch.org. Retrieved 28 March 2026.
  33. ↑ For Congress for the New Urbanism award, see Charter Awards: Past Winners Archived 31 July 2008 at the Wayback Machine Congress for the New Urbanism Official Website
  34. ↑ The 2009 St. Louis Chapter of ASLA Award Winners stlouisasla.org
  35. ↑ "Maharashtra govt gets MoEF order for action against Lavasa". Business Standard. 11 June 2011.
  36. ↑ How the unfinished city of Lavasa became a nightmare for Indian banks
  37. ↑ Indian Ministry of Environment and Forest Website
  38. ↑ Byatnal, Amruta (18 February 2011). "Lavasa under scanner for quarrying". The Hindu. Chennai, India.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link)
  39. ↑ "The Hindu Exclusive: Jayanthi Natarajan's letter to Sonia Gandhi". The Hindu. 30 January 2015.
  40. ↑ "SHOWCAUSE NOTICE: JAIRAM ORDERS WORK TO STOP – Lavasa lands in trouble for flouting green laws". The Economic Times. 27 November 2010. Archived from the original on 26 August 2012. Retrieved 9 February 2011.
  41. ↑ Water being diverted to Lavasa, alleges Patkar Archived 11 October 2012 at the Wayback Machine, The Indian Express, 8 July 2009
  42. ↑ Lavasa showed higher FSI : Jairam Ramesh's MoEF Committee Archived 15 April 2013 at the Wayback Machine rtn.asia, 24 May 2011
  43. ↑ 43.0 43.1 HCC to revamp Lavasa finances, decide on IPO reuters.com, 13 November 2011
  44. ↑ Bhawan, Paryavaran (9 November 2011). Environmental Clearance for the Development of Hill Station Township at Village Mulshi and Velhe Talukas, District Pune, Maharashtra my M/s. Lavasa Corporation Ltd. —regarding (PDF). New Delhi: Government of India Ministry of Environment and Forests. Retrieved 18 January 2011.
  45. ↑ 45.0 45.1 Vaidya, Abhay (26 December 2010). "Lavasa trail reinforces the Sharad Pawar connection & IPL link". Pune: DNA. Retrieved 21 February 2011.
Retrieved from "https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=Lavasa&oldid=466439"
Discover more