Pune: How a Builder’s Deception Led to 36 Bungalows Demolitions in Chikhali
Pimpri-Chinchwad, 20th May 2025: A quiet street in Chikhali turned into a scene of heartbreak and devastation last week as bulldozers razed 36 bungalows deemed illegal by authorities. Among the dust and debris stood a woman, her eyes brimming with tears, her voice cracking: “We were cheated.”
Her two-storey bungalow—built with a decade of savings, dreams, and sacrifices—was one of many torn down by the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) as part of a crackdown on constructions within the flood-prone ‘Blue Line’ of the Indrayani River.
A Family’s Dream Turned Nightmare
The woman, whose husband works in the IT sector, shared how they bought a one-guntha plot during the COVID-19 lockdown for ₹20 lakh per guntha. Just two years ago, they moved into their dream home.
“We had no idea the land was in a flood zone,” she said. “The builder, Manoj Jare, clearly told us the Blue Line was far from our property. We believed him.”
The demolition happened swiftly. “We couldn’t even save our kids’ toys, photo albums, books—everything is gone,” she added, barely able to hold back her tears.
Educated but Betrayed
Like her, many other residents—working professionals, young families, and retired individuals—feel duped. “We’re educated. My husband works in IT. If we can be misled like this, how is the average homebuyer supposed to protect themselves?” she asked.
The demolitions not only wiped out homes but also left families grappling with bank loans, legal confusion, and emotional distress.
Builder Faces Backlash
Builder Manoj Jare, who sold the plots to these homeowners, is now under severe criticism. Residents claim he misrepresented the legality of the plots and assured them there were no regulatory issues.
On Monday, a meeting was held between Jare and the affected families. According to homeowners, he promised to find a solution—but failed to provide any clear plan or compensation as of Tuesday.
A Deeper Crisis in Pune’s Real Estate
The incident underscores systemic failures in real estate regulation. Despite zoning maps and floodline restrictions, buyers say no red flags were raised by government bodies during property registration or loan approvals.
“The system is broken,” said another resident. “We followed every legal step. How was this allowed to happen in the first place?”
The PCMC has maintained that action was necessary to prevent future tragedies during floods. But for those left homeless, that explanation offers little comfort.
Grief Beyond Bricks and Mortar
As she walked away from what used to be her home, the woman hugged her children tightly. “This was never in our dreams,” she whispered. “We built a home, not just a house—and now there’s nothing left.”
