Pune: Unauthorized Construction? Expect Demolition Within 24 Hours, Warns PCMC

Pimpri-Chinchwad, 22nd July 2025: In a decisive move to curb unauthorized development, the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) has intensified its crackdown on illegal under-construction structures, demolishing over 20 buildings across the city in the past 10 days. These demolitions spanned more than 20,000 sq. ft., targeting structures being built without approval from the civic body’s Building Permission Department.

The drive comes on the heels of strict directives issued earlier this month by PCMC Commissioner Shekhar Singh, urging anti-encroachment squads to take swift action at the initial stages of illegal construction, rather than waiting until buildings are completed and occupied.

“The idea is to nip the problem in the bud,” a senior PCMC official said. “Once the structure is complete and people have moved in, the issue becomes not just administrative but humanitarian. Our priority is early intervention.”

New Focus: Early Detection and Swift Demolition
Officials confirmed that their focus is now on identifying new constructions in real time. Beat inspectors across all zones have been instructed to actively survey their areas and verify permits for any ongoing work.

“If a structure is found to be going up without proper permissions, we serve a notice and proceed with demolition within 24 hours,” the official added. “We are working strictly in accordance with the Maharashtra Regional and Town Planning (MRTP) Act.”

This move follows a wave of criticism the PCMC faced in May, when it razed 36 illegal bungalows built within the Indrayani River’s blue flood line in Chikhali. Residents at the time accused the civic body of turning a blind eye during the construction phase, only to act years later after families had settled in.

“This time, we won’t wait for that to happen again,” the official asserted.

Why Action Is Limited During Monsoon
According to officials, the current crackdown is limited to under-construction structures. No action is being taken against completed and occupied buildings during the monsoon season, in line with Bombay High Court directives that protect residents from eviction and demolition during inclement weather.

“We are following court orders and not targeting homes that are already occupied at this time,” the official said. “However, owners of such structures have been served notices and given 30 days to comply and remove illegal portions voluntarily.”

No Tolerance for Unauthorised Development
The PCMC has made it clear that this is just the beginning of a larger anti-illegal construction campaign. More demolitions are expected in the coming weeks as the corporation tightens its surveillance and enforcement mechanisms.

“We are not against development. But it must happen within the boundaries of the law,” the official said. “Unauthorized structures pose serious safety, environmental, and infrastructure risks. We will continue to act—swiftly and decisively.”