Pune Traders Protest Against PMC’s Encroachment Drive
Pune, 6th April 2026: Traders across Pune on Monday staged a protest against the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), alleging that recent anti-encroachment drives are being carried out in an “inhuman and arbitrary manner” and disproportionately targeting local businesses.
The protest, organised by members of the Pune District Retail Traders Association, took the form of a ‘ghantanad andolan’ (bell-ringing protest) at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Smarak in Kothrud. Participants gathered around 11.30 am, performed an aarti of Goddess Tulja Bhavani, and publicly expressed their opposition to the civic action.
Traders alleged that under the guise of city beautification and cleanliness, the PMC has been demolishing structures that pose no obstruction, including sheds, signboards, protective walls and small platforms outside shops. They also claimed that essential livelihood equipment such as tea stalls, refrigerators and juice machines are being destroyed during the drives.
“The action is directly affecting small traders who not only sustain themselves but also generate employment for others. This is leading to loss of livelihoods and rising unemployment,” Sachin Nivangune, founder-president of the traders’ association said.
The association further claimed that despite repeated correspondence, authorities have failed to hold joint meetings with trader representatives at the city or ward level to address concerns and plan a structured approach.
Trader leaders said they are willing to cooperate with the administration and have demanded that civic officials conduct joint surveys with local representatives, create awareness, and implement planned measures. They argued that such coordination would reduce unnecessary civic expenditure and could also help increase municipal revenue.
