PUNE: Residents have largely ignored the civic body’s promises of granting tenancy rights via certificates, with many reluctant to vacate crumbling wadas and properties in the city.
The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has issued notices to owners and occupants of 36 properties, ordering them to vacate before the rainy season.
About ten years ago, the PMC began a unique initiative to issue tenancy certificates to tenants, aiming to mitigate legal disputes between property owners and occupants. However, out of over 15,000 tenants residing in such wadas, only approximately 1,000 certificates have been issued, according to PMC data.
Many tenants hesitate to leave these dilapidated buildings due to fear of losing their homes and a lack of trust in the municipal system.
“The administration is ineffective in addressing residents’ concerns. The notices issued are inadequate and discourage tenant promotion,” stated Vishal Dhanwade, a corporator from the Peth areas.
Wadas are situated in prime core city locations, including Sadashiv Peth, Narayan Peth, Ganesh Peth, Ganj Peth, Somwar Peth, Kasba Peth, Ghorpade Peth, and Mangalwar Peth.
“Residents are seeking rehabilitation within the same locality, as many have lived here for generations. The administration must guarantee this, but such promises have not been made,” said Saurabh Dhokate, a resident of Kasba Peth.
“The risk of old houses collapsing within PMC jurisdiction increases significantly during the monsoon. It’s crucial to take necessary precautions to ensure the safety of residents, neighbors, and passersby,” warned Aniruddha Pawaskar, city engineer of PMC.
Pawaskar added that notices have been served under Sections 268(B) and (C) of the Maharashtra Municipal Corporations Act to the owners, tenants, and residents of old houses deemed dangerous and unfit for habitation. These individuals must vacate the premises until safety is restored. Tenants, flat owners, landlords, and cooperative housing societies will receive occupancy certificates corresponding to their occupied areas, he noted.
