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			{{Update\|date=January 2025}}
	{{Infobox_Company \|
			{{Use British English\|date=March 2013}}
	company_name = Lavasa Corporation Limited. \|
			{{Use dmy dates\|date=May 2022}}
	company_type = Private \|
			{{Other uses}}
	company_logo = ] \|
			{{Infobox settlement
	company_slogan = Life In Full \|
	~~foundation~~ = \|		\| name = Lavasa
			\| other_name =
	industry = Construction, Engineering, Hospitality, Leisure \|
	~~location~~ = ], ] \|		\| nickname =
			\| settlement_type =Planned city<br>Hill city
	key_people = ], Founder and Chairman, HCC India, L. M. Thapar Group of Companies, Venkateshwara Hatcheries,Aniruddha Deshpande \|
			\| image_skyline = Lavasahills.jpg
	num_employees = \|
	~~revenue~~ = \|		\| image_alt =
			\| image_caption = View of Lavasa hills
	homepage =
			\| pushpin_map = India Maharashtra
			\| pushpin_label_position =
			\| pushpin_map_alt =
			\| pushpin_map_caption = Location in Maharashtra, India
			\| coordinates = {{coord\|18.40528\|N\|73.50627\|E\|display=inline,title}}
			\| subdivision_type = Country
			\| subdivision_name = {{flag\|India}}
			\| subdivision_type1 = ]
			\| subdivision_name1 = ]
			\| subdivision_type2 = ]
			\| subdivision_name2 = ]
			\| established_title = <!-- Established -->
			\| established_date =
			\| founder =
			\| named_for =
			\| government_type =
			\| governing_body =
			\| unit_pref = Metric
			\| area_footnotes =
			\| area_rank =
			\| area_total_km2 = 100
			\| elevation_footnotes =
			\| elevation_m = 630
			\| population_total =
			\| population_as_of =
			\| population_rank =
			\| population_density_km2 = auto
			\| population_demonym =
			\| population_footnotes =
			\| demographics_type1 = Languages
			\| demographics1_title1 = Official
			\| demographics1_info1 = ]
			\| timezone1 = ]
			\| utc_offset1 = +5:30
			\| postal_code_type = ]
			\| postal_code = 412107
			\| registration_plate =
			\| website = {{URL\|www.lavasa.com}}
			\| footnotes =
	}}		}}
			'''Lavasa''' (]: लवासा, lavāsā) is a ],<ref name=bbc>{{cite news\|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-south-asia-12223024\|title=India rules hill city 'illegal'\|publisher=]\|date=2011-01-19}}</ref> ] in the state of ] in ] built near ].<ref>{{cite news\|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/lavasa-order-idUSSGE70H0A320110118\|title=UPDATE 1-India ministry sets terms to consider Lavasa approval\|work=]\|date=2011-01-18}}</ref> It is stylistically based on the Italian town ], 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\|publisher=]\|date=2015-11-19}}</ref>
	== Introduction ==
	Lavasa is being developed as India's first ] after Independence. It is a custom built hill station being developed by HCC India near Pune. It is spread over 12,500 acres of land and is scheduled to be completed by 2021. The first phase (Dasve) is scheduled to become operational by June 2009. It will be a self equipped city developed on the principles of ].

			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 ],<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>
	== Concept ==
	Lavasa Corporation Limited was formed to undertake a large-scale lifestyle development in India. It is being developed based on ] principles, and located near Pune, India. The township is being developed over a area of 12,500 acres. Lavasa is located on the backwaters of Warasgaon dam on the Western Ghats between Pune and Mumbai. It is located within 80 minutes from Pune (approximately 50 km) and 3 hours from Mumbai (approx 180 km). Lavasa has three main seasons: summer (March to May), monsoon (June to September), and winter (October to February).

			In late 2010, the ] ordered that construction cease because the project violated environmental laws.<ref name=stopc/> As of late 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# \|publisher=The Hindu \|access-date=9 November 2011}}</ref> The project's scale may have been reduced, however, and an ] 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> As of 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>
	The city is planned to strike a balance between urban living and preservation of the environment. the master plan envisages a township in harmony with nature where nature begins at the doorstep. This master plan won both the Award for Excellence 2005, given by the ] (USA) and the ] Award—2005. The concept of a hill town dates from British colonial times and describes locations where British administrators went during the Indian tropical summer, prominent examples being Shimla, Kulu, Ooty etc.
			==History==
			]
			Billed as India's first ] since ],<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 \|publisher=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===
			The area demarcated for Lavasa is located near ] in the Mulshi valley<ref name=water2/> of the ].<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===
			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> 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> {{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> ecolehotelierelavasa.com</ref>

			===Administration===
	Lavasa will consist of a cosmopolitan diverse neighborhood encompassing all classes of people from the upper middle class to the affluent classes. The township will also be home to numerous educational institutions, research centers, hotels etc.
			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 village===
	== Consultant and Tieups ==
			Smaller, pre-existing communities sometimes interact with Lavasa and its residents. Some have been the focus of ] 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}}
	'''Consultants'''
			*{{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>
	] (HCC) — one of the largest private sector construction companies in India — is undertaking all construction activities. Hincon Techno Consultants is the primary engineering consultant. Besides this many big names are involved in the Lavasa Project. The master plan was developed by ], USA. ] and ] have conducted the project feasibility and research. Branding is being done by ] (Hong Kong).
	<br />
	'''Commercial Tie ups'''
	Other prominent names with whom a tieup has been done are <br />
	] (EHL) - Hospitality management school<br />
	] - 250 room hotel and convention center<br />
	] - Healthcare and Wellness center spread over 200 acres<br />
	] - Fortune Lavasa to be opened by 2009<br />
	] - Developing a management school<br />
	==Current Status ==
	]
	]
	The first phase of the Lavasa hill town is currently under construction. It is scheduled for completion in June/2009. The first phase will include educational institutions, hospital and hotels besides residences. The residences range from lake side apartments to villas of varying sizes.
	{{India-geo-stub}}

			==Future plans==
	News Articles
			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 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 {{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 {{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 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/>

			As of 2023, the city's acquisition was approved by the ] to Darwin Platform Infrastructure 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://english.jagran.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>

			== Education ==
			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==
			]
			Lavasa has won several awards for its plans and designs. In 2005, Dasve village in Lavasa won awards from the ] and the ].<ref>For Congress for the New Urbanism award, see {{webarchive\|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080731123053/http://www.cnu.org/awards/winners \|date=31 July 2008 }} Congress for the New Urbanism Official Website
			*For American Society of Landscape Architects award, see American Society of Landscape Architects Official Website, 7/11/2005</ref> In 2009, the St. Louis chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects recognised the Lavasa landscape master plan with a merit award.<ref> stlouisasla.org</ref>

			==Controversies==

			===Environmental damage===
			An Indian ] team investigating Lavasa concluded that the city has caused ],<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 ] ] known for its evergreen tropical forests that shelter 325 species of vulnerable or endangered animals, birds and fauna."<ref></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></ref>

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

			A report by the ] 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>

			===Use of water resources===
			Lavasa will use the same water resources that currently supply ], and it is claimed that this move is likely to cause a supply shortage.<ref name=water1> {{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> {{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===
			For a one-year period from late 2010 to late 2011, construction of Lavasa was halted due to orders issued by the ].<ref name=ipo2011> 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>

			===Accusations of nepotism===
			], 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/>

			==See also==
			{{Portal\|India}}
			*]

			==References==
			{{Reflist}}

			{{Western Ghats}}

			]
			]
			]
			]
			]
			]
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			]

Latest revision as of 04:23, 13 January 2025

This article needs to be updated. Please help update this article to reflect recent events or newly available information. (January 2025)

For other uses, see Lavasa (disambiguation). Place in Maharashtra, India

Lavasa
Planned city Hill city
View of Lavasa hills
LavasaLocation in Maharashtra, India
Coordinates: 18°24′19″N 73°30′23″E / 18.40528°N 73.50627°E / 18.40528; 73.50627
Country	India
State	Maharashtra
District	Pune district
Area
• Total	100 km (40 sq mi)
Elevation	630 m (2,070 ft)
Languages
• Official	Marathi
Time zone	UTC+5:30 (IST)
PIN	412107
Website	www.lavasa.com

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

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

In late 2010, the Indian Environment and Forests Ministry ordered that construction cease because the project violated environmental laws. As of late 2011, this order has been rescinded. The project's scale may have been reduced, however, and an initial public offering may not occur. As of 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.

History

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

Land

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

Current progress

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

Administration

Scot Wrighton was the administrator of the city as of 2011 and held the office until 2019.

Surrounding village

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

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 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. When fully built, its total population may be 200,000, and it will consist of four or five towns built on seven hills. The first of these, Dasve, was initially slated to be complete by 2010 although some residences there were still under construction as of 2013. Mugaon, the second town, may be finished in 2013, and as of May, 2013, construction continues. Work on this town began in mid-2012. In 2013, the chairman of the construction company building the project confirmed that Lavasa will include four large towns.

As of 2023, the city's acquisition was approved by the National Company Law Tribunal to Darwin Platform Infrastructure for ₹1,814 crore.

Education

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

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. In 2009, the St. Louis chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects recognised the Lavasa landscape master plan with a merit award.

Controversies

Environmental damage

An Indian Ministry of Environment and Forests team investigating Lavasa concluded that the city has caused environmental damage, 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." 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.

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. 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.

Land acquisition

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.

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

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. 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.

Orders to halt construction

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. In late 2010, it ordered Lavasa Corporation to halt further construction for not having gathered proper clearances. In November 2011, this ministry relented, and construction is no longer impeded by law. 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.

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. Pawar's daughter and son-in-law had more than 20% ownership between 2002 and 2004, and they later sold their stakes. 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.

References

^ "India rules hill city 'illegal'". BBC News. 19 January 2011.
"UPDATE 1-India ministry sets terms to consider Lavasa approval". Reuters. 18 January 2011.
Kennard, Matt; Provost, Claire (19 November 2015). "Inside Lavasa, India's first entirely private city built from scratch". The Guardian.
"Biomimicry: Architecture That Imitates Life". harvardmagazine.com. September–October 2009.
"Lavasa Corporation Ltd: India's First Planned Hill City Deploys Portal Solution to Empower Employees; Increases Collaboration and Efficiency". microsoft.com. 31 May 2010.
"Lavasa Project in Maharashtra's Pune Abandoned, Adivasis Lose Agricultural Land". landconflictwatch.org. 19 September 2016.
"Suzlon, Lavasa among named in India bribery scam-reports". Reuters. 25 November 2010.
^ "Environment Ministry asks Lavasa to halt project". The Economic Times. 26 November 2010.
"Environment Ministry gives nod to Lavasa hill city project". The Hindu. Retrieved 9 November 2011.
"Lavasa Corporation gets Sebi nod to raise Rs 750 crore via IPO". The Economic Times. Retrieved 10 November 2014.
"How the dream of an idyllic private hill city took shape — and then crashed into reality". The Economic Times. Retrieved 25 July 2023.
^ "Inside Lavasa, India's first entirely private city built from scratch". The Guardian. Retrieved 19 November 2015.
"How HCC chief Ajit Gulabchand is tackling the challenges". Business Today. Retrieved 19 August 2012.
^ Jamwal, Nidhi (15 September 2008). "Howl of the hills". downtoearth.org.in.
Ferguson, Tim (20 December 2010). "A Stop in India's Lavasa". Forbes. Archived from the original on 23 December 2010.
^ Everything is back on table including Lavasa IPO: HCC moneycontrol.com, 29 May 2013
^ Byatnal, Amruta (31 October 2010). "Symbolic of luxury, Lavasa is built on irregularities". The Hindu. Chennai, India. Retrieved 21 February 2011.
From the Head of School's Desk Archived 19 August 2011 at the Wayback Machine Le Mont High official site. Retrieved 31 August 2011
Ecole Hoteliere Lavasa ecolehotelierelavasa.com
Kahn, Jeremy (7 June 2011). "India Invents a City". The Atlantic. Atlantic Media. Retrieved 20 July 2013.
Althoff, Kim (9 January 2019). "Scot Wrighton to be Named City Manager". City of Decatur, IL. Retrieved 11 July 2022.
"Lavasa Corporation provides school uniforms to underprivileged students from the local community" (PDF). Lavasa Corporation. HCC. 25 January 2012. Retrieved 14 September 2013.
- "Lavasa organizes counselling sessions for Local youths" (PDF). Lavasa Corporation. HCC. 27 September 2012. Retrieved 14 September 2013.
Dinghe, S (22 February 2011). "Villagers from 14 hamlets supporting Lavasa stage protest". DNA. Diligent Media Corporation Ltd. Retrieved 14 September 2013.
^ Kamath, Raghavendra (7 September 2010). "The hills are alive with the sound of controversy". Business Standard.
Thekaekara, Tarsh (May 2010). "The great urban juggernaut". New Internationalist. Retrieved 9 February 2011.
For four towns, see Discover Lavasa: Master Plan; A vision becomes reality Archived 24 November 2010 at the Wayback Machine Lavasa Official Site
- For five towns, see Lavasa: Life in Full Archived 16 December 2010 at the Wayback Machine Lavasa Official Site (Page 4)
- For seven hills, see Lavasa: Life in Full. Lavasa Official Site (page 2)
"India's newest hill station builds for the future". 15 September 2009. Archived from the original on 18 November 2010.
"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.
"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.
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
- For American Society of Landscape Architects award, see ASLA Announces 2005 Professional Awards American Society of Landscape Architects Official Website, 7/11/2005
The 2009 St. Louis Chapter of ASLA Award Winners stlouisasla.org
"Maharashtra govt gets MoEF order for action against Lavasa". Business Standard. 11 June 2011.
How the unfinished city of Lavasa became a nightmare for Indian banks
Indian Ministry of Environment and Forest Website
Byatnal, Amruta (18 February 2011). "Lavasa under scanner for quarrying". The Hindu. Chennai, India. Archived from the original on 26 January 2013.
"The Hindu Exclusive: Jayanthi Natarajan's letter to Sonia Gandhi". The Hindu. 30 January 2015.
"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.
Water being diverted to Lavasa, alleges Patkar Archived 11 October 2012 at the Wayback Machine, The Indian Express, 8 July 2009
Lavasa showed higher FSI : Jairam Ramesh's MoEF Committee Archived 15 April 2013 at the Wayback Machine rtn.asia, 24 May 2011
^ HCC to revamp Lavasa finances, decide on IPO reuters.com, 13 November 2011
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.
^ Vaidya, Abhay (26 December 2010). "Lavasa trail reinforces the Sharad Pawar connection & IPL link". Pune: DNA. Retrieved 21 February 2011.

v t e Western Ghats
States	Goa Gujarat Karnataka Kerala Maharashtra Tamil Nadu
Regions	Desh Kongu Nadu Konkan Malabar Malenadu North Malabar Tulu Nadu
Peaks	Agasthyamalai Ambukuthi Anamudi Anginda Anjaneri Baba Budangiri Banasura Brahmagiri Chembra Devar Mala Devimala Dhodap Doddabetta Don Elivai Malai Eravimala Ettina Bhuja Gangamoola Gopalaswamy Betta Illikkal Kallu Kalsubai Karimala Gopuram Kattumala Kemmangudi Kodachadri Kodikuthi Mala Kolaribetta Kottamala Kudremukh Kumara Parvata Kumarikkal Mala Kurumbalakotta Madikeri Mahendragiri Mahuli Malleswaran Marunthuvazh Malai Meenuliyan Para Meesapulimala Mukurthi Mullayanagiri Nedumpara Padagiri Paithalmala Perumal Malai Pratapgad Purandar Raigad Rajgad Rangaswamy Ranipuram Ratangad Salher Saptashrungi Saputara Sinhagad Sispara Sonsogor Tadiandamol Taramati Torna Vagamon Vandaravu Varayadumotta Vavul Mala Velliangiri
Hills	Ambanad Anaimalai Biligiriranga Cardamom Nilgiri Satmala Selbari Palani Thirumoorthy Trimbakeshwar
Rivers	Achankovil Adan Amarja Ambankadavu Anjarakandi River Arkavathi Ayalurpuzha Banganga Bhadra Bharathappuzha Bhavani Bhima Bindusara Chakra Chalakudy Chaliyar Cherukunnapuzha Cherupuzha Cheruthoni Chitravathi Chittar Chulki Nala Chulliyar Dahisar Daman Ganga Dandavati Darna Edamalayar Gangavalli Gayathripuzha Ghataprabha Girna Godavari Gomai Gomukhi Gurupura Hemavati Honnuhole Indravati Indrayani Iruvanjippuzha Ithikkara Kabini Kadalundi Kadva Kali Kallada Kallayi Kalpathipuzha Kanjirappuzha Kannadipuzha Karamana Karanja Karha Karimpuzha Kaveri Kedaka Kodaganar Kodavanar Kokkiliyar Kolar Korapuzha Korayar Kottappuzha Koyna Krishna Kubja Kumaradhara Kumudvathi Kundali Kundalika Kunthipuzha Kurumali Kuthirappuzha Lakshmana Tirtha Madatharuvi Mahé Malampuzha Malaprabha Mangalam Manimala Manimuthar Manjalar Manjira Markandeya Maruthappuzha Meenachil Meenkarappuzha Mithi Moyar Mula Mula-Mutha Mullayar Mutha Muthirapuzha Muvattupuzha Nanganjiyar Narmada Neerppuzha Netravati Neyyar Nira Noyyal Oshiwara Pachaiyar Pahrali Painganga Palar Palar (Kaveri) Pallichelaru Pamba Pambar Pambar Panchagangavalli Panchganga Pandippuzha Panzara Papagni Papanasini Parambikulam Patalganga Pavana Payaswini Penna Perinjankutti Periyar Poisar Ponnaiyar Pranahita Punnappuzha Purna (Godavari) Purna (Tapti) Dnyanganga Savitri Shahanur Shambhavi Sharavati Shimsha Shivana Sindphana Souparnika Tansa Tapti Tasso Thamirabarani Thuppanadippuzha Thuthapuzha Tirur Tunga Tungabhadra Ulhas Vaan Vaippar Valapattanam Vandazhippuzha Varada Varahi Vashishti Vedavathi Venna Vrishabhavathi Wainganga Wardha
Waterfalls	Abbey Aruvikkuzhy Athirappilly Ayyanar Bandaje Barkana Catherine Charpa Chunchanakatte Courtallam Devaragundi Devkund Dudhsagar Godchinamalaki Gokak Hanumangundi Hebbe Hogenakkal Irupu Jaladurga Jog Kalhatti (Nilgiris) Kalhatti Katary Kumbakkarai Kumbhavurutty Kuchikal Kune Kutladampatti Law's Magod Mallalli Manalar Meenmutty Monkey Muthyala Maduvu Oliyarik Palaruvi Pandavgad Pattathippara Perunthenaruvi Sahasrakund Sathodi Sengupathi Shivanasamudra Shivganga Siruvani Soochipara Suruli Thalaiyar Thusharagiri Tirparappu Ulakkai Unchalli Vaideki Vajrapoha Vattaparai Vazhachal
Lakes	Avalanche Berijam Kodaikanal Ooty Pykara Sasthamkotta Vellayani
Protected areas and reserves	Anamalai Annekal Aralam Agasthyamala Agasthyavanam Bandipur Bannerghatta Bhadra Bhimgad Brahmagiri Chandoli Chimmony Chinnar Dandeli Eravikulam Grass Hills Grizzled Squirrel Kali Kalakkad-Mundanthurai Karian Shola Karnala Kodaikanal Koyna Kudremukh Mhadei Mudumalai Mukurthi Nagarhole New Amarambalam Neyyar Nilgiri Palani Parambikulam Peechi-Vazhani Peppara Periyar Pushpagiri Radhanagari SAI Sathyamangalam Shendurney Silent Valley Someshwara Talakaveri Thanthai Wayanad
Ghats and gaps	Amba Ghat Amboli Ghat Bhor Ghat Chorla Ghat Goa Gap Kumbharli Ghat Naneghat Palakkad Gap Tamhini Ghat Thal Ghat Varandha Ghat
Dams and reservoirs	Aathupalayam Aliyar Almatti Amaravathi Basava Sagara Bhadra Dam Bhandardara Bhatghar Bhavanisagar Bhushi Chaskaman Dhom Gorur Harangi Hetwane Itiadoh Jayakwadi Kabini Kadra Kamarajar Sagar Kanher Kanva Karuppanadhi Khadakwasla Kodasalli Kodiveri Kolkewadi Koyna Krishna Raja Sagar Krishnagiri Linganamakki Manimuthar Mettur Mukkadal Mulshi Nallathangal Nilwande Orathuppalayam Panshet Papanasam Pawna Pechiparai Perunchani Raja Lakhamagouda Ramtek Renuka Sagara Salaulim Sathanur Servalar Shanti Sagara Solaiyar Supa Susri Tansa Temghar Tilari Totladoh Tungabhadra Ujjani Upper Bhavani Vaigai Vaitarna Vani Vilasa Sagara Varasgaon Varattu Pallam Veer Vihar Waghur Walwan Yeldari
Landslides	Pettimudi (2020) Ankola (2024) Vilangad (2024) Wayanad (2024)
Related	Mountains of Kerala Mountains of Maharashtra
See also: Eastern Ghats

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