Pune: 36 Riverside Bungalows in Pimpri-Chinchwad Demolished; Owners Furious, Allege Fraud and Claim Innocence
Reported by Varad Bhatkhande
Pimpri-Chinchwad, 17th May 2025: Acting on orders from the Supreme Court of India and the National Green Tribunal (NGT), the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) has demolished 36 bungalows covering a total area of 63,970 sq ft. These structures were located in the Indrayani River basin, within the blue flood line zone.
As the demolition took place, the bungalow owners and their families protested emotionally, accusing the PCMC of rendering them homeless overnight. The residents claim they were duped by original landowners, builders, and PCMC officials. A large police force was deployed to maintain order and prevent escalation.
Along with the NGT levying a ₹5 crore fine on the bungalow owners, PCMC Commissioner Shekhar Singh confirmed that demolition costs will also be recovered from them. However, residents have questioned why no action is being taken against those who originally plotted and sold the land or facilitated the illegal constructions.
At River Residency in Chikhali, structures were built within the prohibited blue line zone of the Indrayani river floodplain. The NGT had ordered their eviction, and this decision was later upheld by the Supreme Court. As a result, the PCMC initiated demolition in accordance with the ruling.
Despite the known restrictions, a local political leader reportedly plotted and sold this land in 2017–18, with the support of senior political figures. Attracted by the natural beauty along the river, many citizens purchased small plots (1-2 gunthas), investing lakhs of rupees. They went on to build bungalows worth Rs 1–1.5 crore, complete with water, roads, and electricity. Residents allege that senior officers and PCMC Ward Office Staff deliberately turned a blind eye during the construction phase.
Furthermore, bungalow owners claim that a PCMC employee named Shirsath took bribes from them. They also allege that the same local leader who plotted the land has ties to a major political party and earned crores from land sales. This leader is reportedly eyeing the upcoming PCMC elections.
Now, with the demolitions complete and the monsoon approaching, residents are left asking, “Where do we go?” They feel betrayed and cheated after investing their life savings. The biggest question they raise is: Why did the PCMC allow illegal construction to continue for years, only to suddenly take action now?
When questioned about the timing and accountability, Additional Commissioner Pradeep Jambhale Patil told the media: “Action has been taken as per the Supreme Court’s order on the blue line. The case has been ongoing for a couple of years. We were prepared to act earlier, but had to wait for the final verdict. Some bungalows were constructed in the meantime.”
PCMC Commissioner Shekhar Singh added, “Please do not undertake construction in the blue line. Always verify land legality before buying property. We don’t enjoy taking such action, but due to legal obligations and court orders, we must. Citizens must be vigilant and verify all documents before investing in any property.”
