Pune: 5th Day of Pimpri-Chinchwad Encroachment Demolition Drive: 40.57 Lakh Sq Ft Cleared

Chikhali, 12th February 2025: In a significant urban development operation, Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) has demolished 2,845 unauthorised structures covering an area of 202.29 lakh square feet in the Kudalwadi region of Chikhali. The ongoing demolition drive, which began five days ago, has already cleared encroachments from 465 acres of land and is set to continue in the coming days.

The operation, launched on 8th February, under the guidance of PCMC Commissioner Shekhar Singh and Police Commissioner Vinoy Kumar Choubey, targets illegal tin sheds, factories, warehouses, scrap shops, and other unauthorised constructions. On the fifth day of the campaign, authorities cleared 528 illegal structures spread across approximately 93 acres, amounting to 40.57 lakh square feet.

A joint effort by PCMC and the Police Administration has been mobilised for this large-scale operation. Additional Municipal Commissioner Pradeep Jambhale Patil, Deputy Commissioner Manoj Lonkar, and several zonal officers are overseeing the demolition work. To ensure security, Joint Commissioner of Police Shashikant Mahavarkar and Additional Commissioner of Police Vasant Pardeshi have deployed a strong police presence in the area.

The demolition drive has employed significant resources, including 16 poclains, 8 JCBs, 1 crane, and 4 cutters. The workforce comprises 4 executive engineers, 16 deputy engineers, 180 Maharashtra Security Force personnel, 600 police staff, and numerous labourers. For safety measures, 3 fire engines and 2 ambulances have been stationed at the site.

Additional Commissioner Pradeep Jambhale Patil stated, “The joint operation by the PCMC and Police Administration aims to remove encroachments from planned development reservations and civic amenity spaces in Kudalwadi. This action will continue in the future as well.”