Pune: Demolition Costs in Chikhali Kudalwadi to be Recovered from Property Owners
Reported By Varad Bhatkhande
Chikhali, 14th February 2025: The Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) has announced plans to recover the costs of ongoing demolition operations in Chikali and Kudalwadi from the property owners. The expenses will be recorded as a mortgage on their land records (7/12 extracts). The demolition operation, which targets unauthorized warehouses, sheds, scrap shops, and small industries spread over 850 acres, is expected to cost approximately one crore rupees.
The demolition drive, which began six days ago, is set to continue until Sunday. So far, 2,845 unauthorized structures covering 473 acres have been razed. The operation involves substantial resources, including 46 excavators, eight JCBs, one crane, four cutters, police personnel, other manpower, meals, and equipment.
Additional Commissioner Pradeep Jambhale Patil stated that the city’s growing population has put a strain on providing basic amenities. He emphasized that the Supreme Court has ordered against tolerating any unauthorized constructions. Jambhale Patil also clarified that there is no political pressure behind the Kudalwadi operation, and the action is being carried out indiscriminately.
To prevent future encroachments in the Kudalwadi area, the PCMC will deploy teams of beat inspectors and regional officers to patrol the area. If encroachments occur despite these measures, action will be taken against the responsible officials.
Property owners have been instructed to remove all materials from demolished structures to prevent potential fire hazards. Failure to do so will result in notices being issued to the property owners.
The PCMC plans to extend the demolition drive to unauthorized constructions within the blue flood lines of the Pawana, Mula, and Indrayani rivers. Areas such as Talawade, Kalewadi, Thergaon, Pimpri, and Walhekarwadi will also be targeted. Additionally, scrap shops will be relocated outside the city limits.
The demolition expenses will be divided based on the area of the properties involved. The PCMC will send letters to the tehsildar or talathi, detailing the costs, survey numbers, and property numbers. This information will then be recorded as a lien on the property owners’ land records. Property owners will be required to clear these dues with the PCMC before engaging in any future property transactions.
PCMC Commissioner Shekhar Singh has reiterated the PCMC’s commitment to making the city encroachment-free, emphasizing the importance of these actions for the city’s development and safety.
