PMC to Demolish 46 Dilapidated Wadas in Pune Ahead of Monsoon Season
Pune, 1st April 2024: The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) is gearing up to demolish 46 dilapidated wadas within its jurisdiction ahead of the upcoming rainy season, citing safety concerns and the risk of accidents.
These properties, scattered across prime locations in the city’s heart, including prominent Peth areas like Ganesh Peth, Ganj Peth, Somwar Peth, Kasba Peth, Ghorpade Peth, Mangalwar Peth, and adjacent locales, have been deemed hazardous for habitation.
Rajendra Bhosale, PMC’s administrator and municipal commissioner, emphasized the need for occupants to vacate these structures and cooperate with the PMC, underscoring the decision’s review during a pre-monsoon preparedness meeting.
Last year, PMC officials conducted a comprehensive survey in collaboration with a private firm, categorizing the wadas based on their structural integrity. Most perilous structures were classified under the C1 category, those requiring substantial repairs under C2, and those necessitating minor fixes under C3. The civic body closely monitors C2 wadas, promptly ordering demolition if their structural stability deteriorates.
However, despite previous efforts, PMC has encountered obstacles in executing demolition orders, prompting them to seek police intervention. Resistance from occupants and legal complexities have impeded progress, with some tenants refusing to vacate despite repeated warnings. A senior PMC official highlighted the ongoing dispute between occupants and owners as a primary reason for resistance, fueled by concerns over losing property claims and uncertainties surrounding redevelopment.
Residents, particularly from financially disadvantaged backgrounds, express reluctance to vacate due to financial constraints. A resident of Somwar Peth elaborated on the dilemma faced by many tenants, emphasizing the affordability challenges associated with relocating despite the deteriorating condition of the properties.
Meanwhile, PMC’s initiative to issue tenancy certificates aimed at safeguarding tenants’ rights has met with limited success. Only 400 certificates were issued, with double the number of tenants opting out due to doubts regarding its utility, legal validity, and fears of relinquishing residency rights post-redevelopment. The PMC introduced these certificates seven years ago to mitigate legal disputes between wada owners and occupants, but skepticism persists among tenants, hindering wider acceptance of the initiative.
