PMC Launches Massive Anti-Encroachment Drive; Illegal Structures Cleared Across City

The Pune Municipal Corporation’s (PMC) departments of building permission and construction, and anti-encroachment, jointly expedited the drive to clear illegal structures in public spaces.

This initiative follows a high-level meeting held on January 4, 2025, at the New Administrative Building of the PMC. The meeting was chaired by MP Muralidhar Mohol, Union Minister of State for Aviation and Co-operation, Government of India, and attended by Minister of Higher and Technical Education, Maharashtra, Chandrakant Patil. The discussions centered on the inconveniences faced by Punekars due to encroachments on roads and footpaths.

On January 17, at around 10:00 AM, an anti-encroachment operation was conducted under the supervision of Chetna Kerure, Deputy Commissioner Circle, and Suhas Jadhav, Assistant Commissioner, PMC of the Kasba Vishrambagwada. The operation mobilized a dedicated team comprising regional encroachment inspectors, assistant encroachment inspectors, police constables, and Maharashtra Security Force personnel. Heavy machinery, including a JCB, dumper truck, and utility trucks, was deployed to facilitate the removal process.

The targeted areas included Mangalwar Peth, Barne Road, Parge Chowk, Badda Garage Area, Rasta Peth, and the vicinity of KEM Hospital. Encroachments on roads and footpaths were systematically cleared, resulting in the removal of materials filling three utility trucks. Seized goods were subsequently stored in designated PMC warehouses.

Huge fine collected

The officials razed the unauthorized structures and collected a fine of Rs 31,00,000 from authorized traders.

Additionally, patrolling has been intensified in areas such as Chhatrapati Shivaji Road, Lakshmi Road, Shanipar Mandai, Jogeshwari Mandir Road, and Kumthekar Road to monitor and prevent further encroachments.

Recent operations have led to the demolition of over 125 illegal structures in various locations, including Shivajinagar and Chandannagar. The civic body plans to extend anti-encroachment drives to 15 key roads by the weekend, focusing on clearing footpaths and roadsides of illegal vendors and stalls.

“We urge citizens to support these initiatives by adhering to regulations and reporting any unauthorized activities to the PMC. The civic body remains dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in Pune by enforcing urban planning and development norms,” said the officials.