Pune: SC Puts Demolition Of 20 Chikhali Structures On hold, Orders Status Quo
Pune, 30th September 2026: The Supreme Court has ordered status quo on the proposed demolition of 20 residential structures at Moi Phata in Chikhali, offering temporary relief to residents facing civic action over alleged construction within the Indrayani river’s blue floodline.
A bench of Justices M M Sundresh and Prasanna B Varale, in its September 17 order, directed all parties to maintain status quo and issued notices to the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC), Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) and other stakeholders. The matter will be heard on December 9.
The residents have argued that the structures fall outside the blue floodline following subsequent revisions to the demarcation under PCMC’s draft development plan.
The order follows an August 13 NGT directive to PCMC to survey the 20 structures with the irrigation department and demolish those found within the blue floodline within three months, after giving residents an opportunity to be heard.
The case originated from a 2023 NGT application alleging that the structures obstructed the natural flow of the Indrayani. A joint committee of irrigation department, district administration and PCMC officials later reported that all 20 structures fell within the blue floodline.
PCMC told the NGT that the structures in Gat Nos. 7, 8, 9 and 10 were built without required permissions between January and November 2022. Residents, however, have challenged the floodline demarcation and cited government directions for a fresh survey. They have also pointed to PCMC house numbers and property tax assessments, besides electricity connections from MSEDCL.
A senior PCMC official said notices and hearings had begun, but further action has been halted following the Supreme Court order.
In May 2025, PCMC had demolished 36 bungalows in the area over alleged construction within the Indrayani floodline, following an NGT order later upheld by the Supreme Court.
