Pune: 29 Bungalows in Chikhli Face Demolition as SC Upholds NGT Order on Indrayani River Encroachments

Pimpri Chinchwad, 12th May 2025: The Supreme Court has upheld a previous ruling by the National Green Tribunal (NGT), paving the way for the demolition of 29 illegal bungalows constructed within the blue flood line of the Indrayani River in Chikhali, Pimpri Chinchwad.

On May 5, a bench comprising Justices Abhay Oka and Ujjal Bhuyan dismissed a civil appeal filed against the NGT’s July 1, 2024 directive, which had not only ordered the removal of the unauthorised structures but also imposed an environmental damage compensation (EDC) of ₹5 crore to be recovered from the respective property owners.

“We find no grounds to entertain this appeal. It stands dismissed,” stated the apex court in its brief order, reaffirming the NGT’s directions for environmental restoration and accountability.

The bungalows in question were part of the “River Villa” project developed by VSquare. In its petition, the developer had argued that the sale of the properties was carried out through registered deeds between May and December 2021, and therefore, the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) should not hold it liable for the EDC.

However, the Supreme Court clarified that the municipal body’s action was guided by NGT’s specific instructions and that the EDC had been assessed by a joint committee. “If the PCMC takes any step to recover the amount from the developer, the petitioner is free to pursue legal remedies,” the court added.
Makarand Kulkarni, head of PCMC’s building permission department, confirmed that preparations for demolition are underway. “We are currently working on a demolition plan. Although there is no deadline from the Supreme Court, the six-month timeline set by the NGT has already expired. The enforcement action will be initiated soon,” he said.

Legal representatives for VSquare maintained that the developer would respond legally if penalised. “As per the Supreme Court’s order, we reserve the right to challenge any recovery attempts by PCMC,” said advocates Arun Longani and Yogendra Kumar. “Simultaneously, the issue of the flood line’s demarcation is pending before the Bombay High Court.”

Several homeowners have expressed distress, claiming they purchased the properties in good faith and were unaware of the flood zone violations. “We’ve submitted a request to the municipal commissioner, seeking a fresh survey of the Indrayani’s flood line,” said a resident, speaking on condition of anonymity. “Many of us took housing loans and invested our life savings. We’re only asking for a fair reassessment before demolitions begin.”