Pune: Heavy Encroachment Drive in Dhankawadi, Aundh; Over 1 Lakh Sq. Ft. Cleared in Two Days
Pune, 19th September 2025: The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has intensified its crackdown on encroachments and unauthorized constructions across the city following directives from Commissioner Naval Kishore Ram.
In the past two days, large-scale demolitions were carried out in several areas, including Dhankawadi, Aundh, Katraj, Dhole Patil Road, Kothrud-Bavdhan, Warje-Karvenagar, Kondhwa-Yewalewadi, Bibwewadi, and Shivajinagar.
On Thursday, despite heavy rains, PMC teams launched a major operation in Katraj under the Dhankawadi-Sahakarnagar Ward Office and the Aundh-Baner Ward Office.
Action in Aundh and Khadki Areas
Encroachment eradication action was carried out from Babasaheb Ambedkar Chowk to Khadki Railway Station (both sides), Ambedkar Chowk to Bhau Patil Road, and Harris Bridge. About 98 unauthorized structures — including sheds, hotels, shops, raw constructions, and extended margins — were demolished.
The operation was led by Junior Engineer Kaamini Gholap, Ward Encroachment Inspector Rahul Bokan, and Assistant Inspectors Vaibhav Jagtap, Rahul Doke, Hasham Patel, and Pankaj Awad. It was conducted under the supervision of Deputy Commissioner (Encroachment) Sandeep Khalate and Assistant Commissioner Girish Dapkekar, with support from the Kothrud-Bavdhan and Ghole Road-Shivajinagar Ward Offices.
PMC workers seized three truckloads of material, including tents, iron nets, fridges, counters, iron frames, furniture, and cots, freeing up 67,365 sq. ft. of public space.
Action in Dhankawadi-Sahakarnagar
Simultaneously, a large-scale drive was carried out at Katraj Chowk within the Dhankawadi-Sahakarnagar Ward Office limits under the leadership of Deputy Commissioner Sandeep Khalate, Zonal Deputy Commissioner Vijay Kumar Thorat, and Assistant Commissioner Surekha Bhange.
Junior Engineer Vikrant Kshirsagar, Encroachment Inspector Sagar Vibhute, and Assistant Inspectors executed the operation, clearing 2,500 sq. ft. of illegal structures and seizing five truckloads of material.
On Tuesday and Wednesday, the same office had cleared 31,700 sq. ft. of encroachments from public roads and footpaths, removing 13 handcarts, 41 illegal footpath structures, 10 gas cylinders, 88 huts, and 83 other unauthorized setups.
Citywide Push
With mounting complaints from citizens about unauthorized businesses and constructions blocking public spaces, PMC officials said that such drives will continue across all wards. The civic body has reiterated its commitment to reclaiming public land and ensuring smooth pedestrian and vehicular movement in the city.
