If the government is really serious, Pune might have affordable homes in near future. The government is doing a survey in the city to check the possibility of affordable housing. Besides Pune, the survey is being undertaken in Mumbai, Nagpur, Nashik, Aurangabad and Amaravati also.

PTI has given this story without naming any official. It points to a source in the housing ministry which informs that this is the pilot project started by the Government in the major cities of the state to know the actual need of the people for housing and then plan a housing policy accordingly,

Considering increasing demand for housing in cities and to reduce growing slums, the Government is for the first time conducting such a survey..

The aim of the survey is to first identify locations where housing is required and land is available. It would also check demands for permanent and rental housing, the official said. The final report would carry suggestions like area of each flat, the price of the flat among others.

This reminds me of the talk organised by Vikas Mathkari, leader and corporator in Pune Municipal Corporation. The seminar which took place in January drew attention to the fact the the rates of houses in Pune are high because the availability of land is less. If the land cost goes down, the prices of homes will also go down. But then, if state government itself jumps into the fray, it can avail land at relatively extra cost which can ease the tension. Let's hope this comes true!