Pune: Citizens Demand Removal of Political Encroachments at SM Ghule Chowk in NIBM Annexe-Mohammadwadi

Kondhwa, 6th September 2025: Local residents and commuters have raised strong objections against the growing number of political flex banners and encroachments at SM Ghule Chowk, which they claim are spoiling the visual appeal of the area and creating unnecessary obstructions.

Influential politicians from various parties have been plastering large-sized flex boards and hoardings across public spaces in and around the chowk — often under the pretext of birthday wishes, congratulatory messages, or upcoming events. These banners are being installed without proper permissions and have now turned into a nuisance, blocking traffic signage, littering the streets, and creating an overall eyesore in an otherwise busy and important junction.

“Every few days, there’s a new banner going up — whether it’s a birthday or some event, they find any excuse to advertise themselves,” said a frustrated shopkeeper in the area. “It’s not just about aesthetics; these flexes are hung so low sometimes, they obstruct visibility and even fall during rains or wind.”

Residents have also alleged that some local political workers are using the chowk as a platform to showcase their allegiance, leading to what they call a ‘visual clutter of sycophancy.’ Despite multiple complaints, authorities have been slow to act, possibly due to the political clout of those involved.

Worse still, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has consistently failed to take firm action. Citizens accuse the civic body of lacking the spine to confront political encroachers, allowing illegal banners to flourish unchecked. This inaction is not just enabling a visual nuisance — it is also contributing to a broader breakdown in respect for law and order. When leaders and their followers flout rules in plain sight and go unpunished, it sends a dangerous message: that rules are only for the common man.
What further frustrates citizens is that the encroachers are openly visible at the chowk, occupying portions of the public road — yet no meaningful action is taken. In such cases, police intervention becomes essential. Enforcement cannot be left to PMC alone; when the rule of law is being openly violated, police must step in to remove encroachments and restore order.

At the very least, PMC should immediately issue notices to all those responsible for occupying public space illegally. The fact that it hasn’t done so only reinforces the growing belief that PMC, an institution meant to uphold civic discipline, is instead complicit through its silence and inaction — effectively supporting illegality.

Residents have alleged that it is the political personalities themselves who are directly encroaching on public space and must be booked under an FIR for these blatant violations. They claim that these are daylight offenses taking place openly, with PMC either acting as a mute spectator or deliberately absent. Due to this perceived failure and lack of accountability, citizens have lost trust in the PMC and demand urgent corrective measures.

Citizens are now urging PMC and local law enforcement to stop turning a blind eye and reclaim public spaces. Without strict and impartial enforcement, residents fear that SM Ghule Chowk will continue to deteriorate, both in appearance and in civic discipline.

Area residents, on condition of anonymity, have also expressed deep fears that criminals and local heavyweights—some with known criminal backgrounds—are trying to consolidate and expand their foothold in the area, which has recently witnessed significant investment and development. They warn that this dangerous nexus of political muscle and criminal elements must not be allowed to spoil the law and order situation. The blatant encroachments and illegal activities not only undermine civic discipline but also create dangerous obstructions to traffic, which could lead to serious accidents. Citizens allege that these so-called local “heavyweights” misuse their influence to intimidate and silence dissent, further weakening the rule of law and endangering public safety.