PUNE: The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has begun severing water connections to dilapidated wadas in the peth areas, where occupants are refusing to vacate despite multiple warnings about the unsafe conditions.
The PMC has pinpointed 37 such properties for action and has requested police assistance to enforce mandatory evacuations. According to a senior PMC official, notifications have also been sent to Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Co. Ltd (MSEDCL) regarding the electricity connections to these wadas.
Data from officials indicate that the PMC and the fire department register about 40-45 cases annually of wadas suffering damage or collapsing, particularly during the rainy season. Most incidents have recently occurred in the peth areas and along Satara Road, Sinhagad Road, and Shivajinagar, along with the gaothan regions of Kothrud and Hadapsar.
The civic body has categorized the dilapidated structures into three tiers: C1, C2, and C3. The C1 category comprises the most dangerous buildings, while C2 encompasses those requiring major repairs, and C3 includes those needing minor fixes.
“Notices were issued to 103 properties ahead of this monsoon season. We commenced disconnecting water supplies to the dilapidated wadas last month. Some tenants have even stated in writing that they are willing to face any consequences rather than vacate. This does not resolve the issue, as such situations often lead to law and order problems. The administration is seeking police intervention,” said a senior PMC official.
Another PMC official noted that the initiative to provide tenancy certificates to residents of these dilapidated wadas has received a tepid response. “The tenancy certificate is designed to assure tenants of their rights, yet many express skepticism about its usefulness and continue residing in dangerous conditions despite repeated warnings,” he commented.
The PMC began issuing tenancy certificates about a decade ago to settle disputes between landlords and tenants. Many occupants fear eviction from the dilapidated buildings might result in losing their rights to the properties.
“A lot of us are unaware of the certificates. There needs to be assurance that we can reclaim our space after redevelopment,” stated Abhay Joshi, a resident of the peth area.
The rundown wadas are predominantly located in prime areas of the city, including Sadashiv Peth, Narayan Peth, Ganesh Peth, Ganj Peth, Somwar Peth, Kasba Peth, Ghorpade Peth, and Mangalwar Peth.
“It’s unfair to forcefully evict tenants. Many live in perilous conditions because they can’t afford rent elsewhere. Temporary arrangements should be considered for these individuals,” said Vishal Dhanwande, a former corporator and resident of the peth area.
