PMC Makes Written Permission Mandatory for Building Demolitions in Pune
Reported by Mubarak Ansari
Pune, 3rd February 2026: In a move aimed at curbing illegal and unsafe demolition activities in the name of redevelopment, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has made it mandatory to obtain written permission before demolishing old buildings, wadas and housing societies in the city.
Municipal Commissioner Naval Kishore Ram has issued orders to all 15 ward offices, directing that no demolition work will be allowed without prior written approval from the respective ward office.
The decision comes after several incidents in central Pune and other areas where criminal elements were allegedly involved in carrying out demolitions in violation of rules, putting neighbouring buildings and residents at risk. In one such incident in Bhusari Colony, an improperly executed demolition caused a building to tilt dangerously. Although no lives were lost, the incident raised serious safety concerns and prompted the civic administration to act.
Against this backdrop, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) state general secretary Hemant Sambhus had demanded that the PMC frame a scientific and standardised policy for demolition in redevelopment projects. Taking note of the issue, the civic body has now prepared a separate set of rules and started implementing them with immediate effect.
Under the new guidelines, no demolition will be permitted without clearance from the concerned ward office. Developers and contractors violating these norms will face strict action, the PMC has warned.
The civic administration said the decision is expected to reduce illegal demolitions, criminal interference in redevelopment projects and the risk to citizens’ lives, while ensuring safer and more regulated urban redevelopment in Pune.
