Lavasa City, India's First Planned Hill City or Just a Ghost Town?

Lavasa city, about 60 kilometres from Pune, was once hailed as a hilltop paradise modelled after Italy's Portofino, with its cotton-candy harbour. It would be the country's first privately developed and run metropolis. The streets of Dasve hamlet, where the hill city has emerged, often attracted curious visitors and people seeking a respite from city life. In the process, many eateries and coffee shops sprung up on the promenade facing the city's central lake.

It received criticism along the way for a lot of unjustified reasons. Consequently, it had unfinished constructions, inconsistent rubbish pickup, and minimal upkeep. It looked like a ghost town. The number of tourists decreased gradually, and the streets began to seem abandoned.

Important Details About Lavasa Smart City, Pune

Lavasa Lake City, nestled in the Western Ghats of India, has long captured the curiosity of both locals and travelers alike. From its inception, it was hailed as India's first planned hill city, designed to rival the beauty of European towns with its picturesque landscapes and modern amenities. However, over the years, Lavasa has garnered a reputation that's as enigmatic as it is alluring. Here are some intriguing details about Lavasa City that add to its mystique:

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1. Urban Planning Marvel

Lavasa's urban planning was inspired by the Italian town of Portofino. The city was designed with a focus on sustainable development, incorporating eco-friendly practices and innovative technologies. Its architecture boasts a harmonious blend of Mediterranean and Indian styles, creating a unique visual appeal.

2. A Planned Hill Station

Lavasa was conceptualized as a self-contained town with a range of residential, commercial, and recreational spaces. The city's layout is divided into various towns, each offering distinct experiences – from the bustling downtown area to tranquil lakeside retreats.

3. Controversial Development 

Despite its ambitious vision, Lavasa faced controversy over land acquisition and environmental concerns. Critics questioned the ecological impact of constructing a city in such a sensitive region, sparking debates about sustainable development and responsible urbanization.

4. Ghost Town Speculations 

Lavasa's journey has been marked by periods of slow progress and stagnation, leading some to dub it a "ghost town." The city's development faced financial hurdles and legal challenges, causing its growth to fall short of initial expectations.

5. Tourist Attraction

Lavasa's scenic beauty and well-designed infrastructure continue to attract tourists and day-trippers. The city offers a variety of activities, including water sports, adventure sports, nature walks, and cultural events. The Lavasa International Convention Centre has hosted numerous conferences and events, adding to the city's allure.

6. Tech-Savvy Initiatives

Lavasa aimed to be a 'smart city' with technology integrated into its core. It introduced initiatives like a citywide Wi-Fi network and automated traffic management systems, aiming to enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors alike.

7. Real Estate Opportunities

Lavasa Township’s real estate market, while facing fluctuations, has attracted investors looking for second homes or holiday properties. The availability of lake-facing villas, apartments, and luxury homes amidst the picturesque landscape has been a major selling point.

8. Cultural Festivals

The Lavasa International Cultural Festival, showcasing a diverse array of art, music, and performances, was held annually. This event aimed to promote cultural exchange and celebrate creativity from around the world.

9. Future Prospects

While Lavasa's development might have faced challenges, recent efforts have been made to revive the city's growth. New investors and stakeholders are exploring ways to overcome past obstacles and rejuvenate Lavasa's original vision.

Lavasa, A Planned City in Pune

The Lavasa Pune in Maharashtra is unlike any other hill city in India because it is tucked away amid the scenic Western Ghats. A tidy, well-planned township may be seen as one travels along a smooth road through the monsoon vegetation. A closer inspection reveals that Lavasa lacks an essential component of a residential community like this—people.

The project, hailed as India's first private hill metropolis, has been facing an uncertain future due to some disputes surrounding the purchase of property and the absence of environmental approvals during the previous 10-15 years. It is a ghost town with a minimal population, vacant, ready-to-move-into apartments, incomplete construction, or structures that its residents have abandoned.

Lavasa is a ghost town with a minimal population of 1932, vacant, ready to move into apartments, incomplete construction, or structures that its residents have abandoned.

For several years, the villagers who donated their property to Lavasa have resisted the project because they believe it defrauded them of their land. The individuals afflicted by the Lavasa scam and their needs may also be invisible to the authorities, just as people and life, in general, are disappearing from the ghost town of Lavasa.

The Lavasa city Pune project was initially envisioned in the early 2000s and was hailed as India’s first privately-owned hill metropolis. The metropolis, located 50–55 kilometres from Pune in 18 villages on 25,000 acres, was planned. But as time passed, the project ran into various legal issues related to locals’ land usurpation and environmental violations. The challenges took their toll, and the initiative lost momentum.

Something about the History of Lavasa

Ajit Gulabchand, an industrialist and Hindustan Construction Company's chairman and CMD (HCC) from Maharashtra, India, created Lavasa in 2000 as the first private hill city in India, emulating other personal projects in the United States like Seaside, Florida, or the Disney-developed Celebration. Now that his Hindustan Construction Ltd. company is having trouble paying off its debt of 4,150 crores ($610 million), the township is gradually deteriorating. Bright red and yellow structures that once had a Mediterranean gloss have lost it due to neglect. Moss is sprouting up on the stone bridges and cobblestone streets. Some sidewalks are deteriorating.

Lavasa City, so the claims go, is home to world-class infrastructure, world-class academic facilities, top eco-friendly industries, fascinating travel and hospitality destinations, and luxurious residential properties.  It was designed in accordance with the principles of contemporary urbanism. Lavasa’s sustainable natural environment allows residents to peacefully coexist with nature while they live, work, learn, and play. More than 25,000 lakeside homes and resorts and more than 50,000 jobs should be available in Lavasa city. 

Long-term residents of Lavasa will have a wide range of home options to choose from, as well as several work prospects. A few other well-known examples of hill cities include Kullu, Shimla, and Ooty, all of which were built during the British Raj.

HCC India is the company developing the Lavasa project. Although some people contest the site’s ownership, the Lavasa master plan has already received three global awards. Along with the newest technology and cutting-edge connections, Lavasa guarantees world-class infrastructure and top-notch roads. The Chandni chowk-Pune Road has been constructed as one of the five entry points to Lavasa city. Lavasa Hill Town’s first phase is being built, and it will be finished in December 2009. At Lavasa and Dasve, the Fortune Select Dasve Hotel is currently operational.

Why is Lavasa a Ghost City?

The city was involved in several disputes involving environmental harm, investigations into the company's land purchase, the use of water resources, and others.

Construction was to be stopped for a year, from late 2010 through practically all of 2011, according to a Ministry of Environment and Forests directive. Another order to halt building was issued at this time to justify that the project lacked the necessary permissions. Cash flow began to slacken at this time, and investors shied away from stock markets in fear of losing money due to the government's involvement in the project.

Lavasa is a historically inaccurate pastiche that genuinely has no place whatsoever. A Neverland that lacks all the romance and intrigue, stripped of any context.

In many ways, visiting Lavasa is a lesson in humility and a reminder that although money may build cities, it cannot give them the souls that keep them alive. Lavasa's narrative serves as a cautionary tale against human arrogance and a warning that although it may be simple to construct a flawless metropolis, it is almost hard to purchase its soul. It is a tale of an environmental catastrophe or an economic nightmare.

What's wrong with Lavasa is more than simply a bad investment decision. It is the disdain for the idea that cities are much more than spotless buildings and well-designed neighbourhoods. The humanity that resides within them, as well as its flaws, economic injustices, the diversity of people who choose to call them home, the history they bear witness to, and the tales that serve as the basis of the legend that gives them life, give birth to and sustain these living, breathing organisms. Things that Lavasa's wealth and desire could not afford.

How do I go from Pune to Lavasa?

Lavasa Mumbai cannot be reached by direct trains or aircraft. The roads are the most acceptable form of transportation. It is often recommended to go to Lavasa either in your vehicle or by renting a taxi. There are two train stations: Lonavala, about 23 kilometres from Lavasa, and Pune, which is around 65 miles distant. You may hire a cab from Lavasa to Pune when you get there. Pune Airport is approximately 65 miles from Lavasa, whereas Mumbai Airport is 193 km away. Pune airport is a better choice since it allows you to go to Lavasa early. You might arrange to take a taxi outside the airport to go to your destination.

Top Things to Do in Lavasa City: What are the top attractions for tourists in Lavasa?

The well-known hill town of Lavasa is renowned for its tourist destinations. Temghar Dam, Babe Ghat Viewpoint, Lakeshore Watersports, Tamhini Ghat, Devkund Waterfall, and many more are popular tourist destinations. The Temghar Dam is the ideal location to see the most exquisite fusion of manufactured structures and natural beauties. Lavasa watersport activities, including kayaking, pedal boating, luxury cruise, jet skiing, bumper boats, water volleyball, etc., are available at Lavasa Lakeshore Watersports.

The Sahyadri mountains, one of the most beautiful sights, are among those that Babe Ghat is renowned for providing. Considered to be among the top locations for bird viewing is Babe Ghat. A hidden treasure that provides a refreshing experience is Devkund Waterfall. Nature enthusiasts and those looking for adventure will enjoy it here. This Ghat is well-known for its long journey that culminates in breathtaking vistas of lofty mountains and a verdant valley.

Where to Eat in Lavasa City and What to Eat

Although Lavasa Maharashtra is well known for its tourist attractions and things to do, learning about its renowned restaurants would be more enjoyable. There are many restaurants to eat at in Lavasa that you will come across throughout your vacation here if you're looking for somewhere to satisfy your appetite after a long, exhausting day.

In terms of cuisine, Lavasa city has a variety of dining alternatives. Many cafés, dining rooms, and restaurants provide a variety of cuisines, particularly South Indian, ranging from regional specialities to Maharashtrian. It offers a variety of cuisines and food that appeals to tourists of all ages, from young children to older adults. The All-American Diner, orient 8, and Chor Bizarre are some of the city's most well-known eateries.

The deserted town is deteriorating

Until a few years ago, Lavasa hosted occasions like a motorcycle or a vintage vehicle rally. Nowadays, the village only receives a trickle of tourists, mostly on weekends when youths and families come for day picnics from Pune or other cities.

The town is deteriorating, and it is evident everywhere. All across the city are incomplete and abandoned structures. For instance, the long-running Fortune hotel in Lavasa recently shut its doors. There are just a few guards to watch over the thousands of square metres of the site.

The fate of many once inhabited structures is similar. The lake that Lavasa was constructed around has overgrown grass, unmaintained roads, and empty boats moored at one of its corners. Most of the structures still under construction leave their construction materials unattended and unsecured.

However, some individuals are still looking for a solution to save the life savings they invested in the project. For instance, hundreds of individuals who had purchased real estate in Lavasa in June and July of 2019 petitioned the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) for assistance. To salvage the project, some individuals even created internet petitions.

The plan was flawed from the start, which is why the city is a failure. Due to the area's remoteness, there was a fundamental accessibility and connection issue. Environmental infractions also raised a lot of difficulties. People have brought up many ecological violations in the project, such as the indiscriminate chopping of hills, the erection of structures too near water sources, and the coercive seizure of tribal people's property.

Future of Lavasa City

Lavasa Corporation, India's first privately created smart city close to Pune, was acquired by Darwin Platform Infrastructure Ltd. (DPIL) in a highly competitive auction with a revised resolution plan. The proposed proposal by DPIL received a majority vote from the Lavasa Committee of Creditors (CoC).

The future for the ghost city looks bright with Lavasa City having won by the Mumbai-based Darwin platforms infrastructure company, a member of the Darwin group of businesses, for roughly Rs. 1,814 crores.

Why then is Darwin Platforms buying this city?

You may be asking why Darwin Platforms Infrastructure Limited is spending a significant sum of Rs. 1,814 Crores in this city if Lavasa City is a failed smart city project. Well, if you read carefully, you probably saw that Lavasa was never finished; it is an unfinished city that was put on hold but never cancelled, and even though the majority of its investors lost money on the project, they still expect to make money when this city is finished.

Lavasa city was once the envy of many owing to its royal grandeur. However, due to poor management and environmental guidelines, the dream project could not take off in its complete form. Currently, efforts are being made to salvage this ambitious, smart city project which, if successful, can open the doors to many such projects in the country. If you are interested in buying Lavasa property or anywhere nearby the city, you can contact NoBroker real estate experts, who will guide you towards the right choice. Give us a call today!

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