PUNE: Since July 9, the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) has demolished 187 unauthorized structures, totaling 3.35 lakh sq ft, as part of its ongoing anti-encroachment initiative across the city. This includes 98 RCC buildings, 69 tin sheds, and 20 kiosks, according to a senior official from the anti-encroachment department.
The civic body’s special operation has primarily targeted under-construction sites to prevent illegal structures from emerging. A senior PCMC official stated, “Initially, we focused on under-construction sites to stop illegal buildings from being built. However, the drive has since been broadened to include unauthorized kiosks on footpaths and tin sheds as well.”
During a review meeting last month, PCMC Municipal Commissioner Shekhar Singh warned that action would be taken against beat inspectors and relevant ward officials for any negligence in addressing unauthorized structures. Officials from the anti-encroachment department have been instructed to serve a 24-hour notice for compliance to violators.
Assistant Municipal Commissioner and head of the anti-encroachment department, Atul Patil, mentioned that some demolitions involved buildings where permission was granted for a single floor, but multiple unauthorized floors were later added. “This special drive will continue, and we urge residents to voluntarily dismantle unauthorized structures to avoid penalties,” Patil added. When questioned about whether any officials had faced action for negligence, he confirmed that no such cases had been identified so far.
This year, activists and residents criticized the municipal corporation for its lack of prompt action against unauthorized constructions, especially after 36 bungalows in Chikhali’s blue flood line area were demolished. Residents alleged that the civic body allowed these structures to be built and only intervened after completion, rather than halting construction from the outset.
