PUNE: Almost a year after the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation tore down 36 illegal bungalows in Chikhali for flood-line violations, another 20 residential buildings in the Moi Phata area are now under investigation for their proximity to the Indrayani River’s blue flood line.
A joint committee established by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) reported, based on a petition from activist Gopal Kachave in 2023, that all 20 structures are positioned along the Ram Zara nullah, a tributary that connects with the Indrayani.
The report indicated that the nullah itself is within both blue and red flood lines, raising alarms about potential obstruction to natural water flow and long-term risks.
The tribunal is set to address the issue on July 24, with the report igniting discussions about a possible demolition campaign akin to last year’s actions in Chikhali as directed by the NGT and the Supreme Court.
Officials from the civic body stated that the buildings were constructed between January and November 2022 without the required permissions from the PCMC. Notices were issued, and four under-construction structures covering 441 square meters were demolished in October 2023. However, these buildings were rebuilt despite the previous actions.
Ajinkya Yele, assistant municipal commissioner and ‘K’ ward officer, mentioned, “We have issued notices to all occupants and identified the structures for demolition. However, given that the matter is ongoing in court before the NGT, we are currently awaiting final orders,” explaining that the homes are situated along the nullah bank.
Property owners asserted they were unaware of flood-line restrictions while purchasing their plots. “Had we been informed that our houses could be demolished, we wouldn’t have invested our savings in constructing them,” one owner remarked.
Activists criticized civic authorities for their delayed action. “It is the duty of the local ward office and municipal officials to monitor illegal constructions, especially in flood-prone areas,” said activist Sarang Yadwadkar.
He further noted that a state government resolution requires local bodies to routinely monitor their jurisdictions by employing satellite and Google images to identify illegal constructions and unauthorized tree cutting at least every six months.
The issue first emerged in November 2023 when Kachave approached the NGT advocating for action against the constructions. During proceedings, the tribunal made all 20 property owners and officials from the irrigation department parties to the case.
In September 2025, at the request of the owners’ lawyer, the NGT mandated the formation of a joint committee with the district collector’s office designated as the nodal agency to inspect the site and submit a detailed report.
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