Pune Ganeshotsav 2026: PMC Launches Late-Night Encroachment Drive at Mahatma Phule Mandai
Pune, 15th September 2026: A day before Ganeshotsav began, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) carried out a late-night encroachment removal drive at Mahatma Phule Mandai, clearing unauthorised tin sheds, roadside stalls, handcarts and other structures that had been occupying public space.
The action was carried out around 10:30 pm on Sunday, when several shops in the area had already closed. The civic team used JCB machines and other equipment to remove the encroachments. The drive was conducted under police protection after some citizens and traders objected to the action.
The encroachments in and around Mandai had reportedly been causing difficulties for pedestrians for several months. The issue becomes particularly significant during Ganeshotsav, when thousands of devotees visit prominent Ganpati mandals and decorations in the area.
The stretch between Shanipar and Rameshwar Chowk has witnessed heavy pedestrian movement, while roadside vendors and some commercial establishments had occupied portions of the road. The movement of PMPML buses, four-wheelers, two-wheelers and autorickshaws through the same stretch had further contributed to congestion.
Similar encroachments were reported between Mandai Police Chowky and Akhil Mandai Ganpati, as well as on the stretch between Tilak Statue and Kaka Halwai. Citizens have complained that the limited walking space often leads to crowding and inconvenience, particularly for women, senior citizens and children.
The PMC had earlier been directed to clear encroachments before Ganeshotsav. However, residents questioned the timing of the action, alleging that the civic administration waited until the eve of the festival despite the issue having persisted for months.
A joint inspection involving the Police Commissioner, Municipal Commissioner, local representatives and civic officials was conducted a few days earlier. During the inspection, officials reportedly noted that the encroachments could create safety concerns amid the expected festival crowds. The police subsequently instructed the PMC to take action.
During Sunday night’s drive, several unauthorised tin sheds, stalls, handcarts and barricades were removed, creating additional space on the roads.
Somnath Bankar, Deputy Commissioner of the PMC’s Encroachment Removal Department, said: “Licensed vendors had occupied more space than permitted. Some handcart licence holders had erected large shops using unauthorised tin sheds and tarpaulin coverings. Considering the crowds expected during Ganeshotsav, the police had instructed the PMC to remove these encroachments. Accordingly, the civic body carried out the action at Mandai and surrounding areas on Sunday night.”
The PMC’s action is expected to ease pedestrian movement and traffic congestion in the Mandai area during the ongoing Ganeshotsav celebrations.
