Pune: PMC Demolishes 100+ Encroachments in Kausar Baug Following HC Directions; Residents Allege Selective Action
Reported by Shoaib Tadvi
Kondhwa, 2nd October 2026: The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) demolished more than 100 alleged unauthorised structures and encroachments in Kausar Baug, Kondhwa, on Thursday, following directions from the Bombay High Court regarding complaints of encroachments in the area.
The PMC’s anti-encroachment department carried out the demolition drive against hotels and other establishments allegedly occupying public spaces and roadside areas. Police personnel were deployed during the operation to maintain law and order.
However, the action has drawn criticism from some local residents, who alleged that the demolition was selective. Residents claimed that sheds belonging to small hotel owners were demolished, while a hotel allegedly associated with a corporator was not subjected to similar action.
Residents have questioned the alleged disparity in enforcement and demanded that the civic administration apply the same rules to all establishments.
Action follows Bombay High Court directions
The demolition drive follows a September 10 order of the Bombay High Court directing the concerned authorities to consider complaints regarding alleged encroachments in accordance with the law. The court also observed that the civic authority is responsible for ensuring that roadsides remain free from encroachments.
Following the court’s directions, the PMC initiated action against structures identified as unauthorised in Kausar Baug.
PMC Deputy Commissioner (Encroachment/Illegal Construction Eradication Department) Somnath Bankar said the civic body was taking action against unauthorised encroachments in accordance with applicable rules and the court’s directions.
“The PMC has initiated action against the unauthorised encroachments in Kausar Baug in accordance with the applicable rules and the directions of the court. The drive is being carried out systematically, and action will be taken against establishments found to be violating the rules,” Bankar said.
Around 60 police personnel deployed
Police were deployed during the demolition operation to prevent any law-and-order issues.
Kondhwa Police Inspector Santosh Khetmalas said three special teams had been formed and around 60 police personnel were deployed for the drive.
According to police, the operation was conducted peacefully, with adequate arrangements in place to prevent any untoward incident.
Residents demand uniform action
Residents have welcomed the removal of encroachments in principle but said the PMC should ensure that enforcement is not limited to selected establishments.
Habib Patel, president of the Kausar Baug Residents Forum, said residents had held discussions with the PMC city engineer and senior officials regarding the removal of unauthorised structures.
According to Patel, the current action is part of a larger, three-phase crackdown planned by the civic administration. Residents have demanded that the PMC complete the process and remove all remaining encroachments as part of the planned action.
Nisar Attar, a member of the Kausar Baug Residents Forum, said the latest action was an initial step but claimed that several encroachments still remained.
“We are not fully satisfied with the action, as several encroachments remain, but the PMC needs some time to complete the process and remove all the encroachments,” he said.
Residents allege selective demolition
The demolition drive has drawn criticism from residents who alleged that small businesses were affected while some influential establishments were left untouched.
Residents claimed that sheds belonging to small hotel owners were demolished during the drive, whereas a hotel allegedly linked to a corporator was not subjected to similar action.
They have demanded that the PMC clarify the basis on which establishments were selected for demolition and make the enforcement process transparent.
Residents have also urged the civic administration to inspect the entire Kausar Baug area and take action against all unauthorised structures, irrespective of the identity or influence of their owners.
Residents seek full implementation of HC directions
The residents’ forum has also demanded full implementation of the High Court’s directions and recovery of applicable fines from establishments against which notices have been issued.
Patel said residents would present their observations about the ground situation before the PMC Commissioner and seek further action if they believe the court’s directions have not been properly implemented.
With more than 100 structures already demolished, residents are seeking completion of the remaining action and regular monitoring to prevent encroachments from returning.
The allegations of selective action have been made by local residents. The PMC, meanwhile, has maintained that the demolition drive is being conducted systematically against establishments found violating applicable rules and in accordance with the court’s directions.
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