Pune: Industries Demand 3-Month Extension as PCMC’s Demolition Drive Intensifies

Pimpri Chinchwad, 13th February 2025: The Pimpri-Chinchwad Small Industries Association has accused the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) of conducting an ‘inhumane’ demolition drive in the Chikhali Kudalwadi areas. The association claims that the PCMC Administration and Public Representatives had previously assured them that no action would be taken against the industries.

In a press conference yesterday, Association President Sandeep Belsare, along with other officials, stated that the demolition drive, which began five days ago, has affected 1,200 small industries so far. They alleged that the PCMC did not provide adequate time for removing machinery from tin sheds before demolishing the structures, resulting in significant losses of machinery, raw materials, and finished products worth crores of rupees.

According to the association, many of these industries have been operating for 35 years, since the time of the gram panchayat, on their own land. They have been paying property and other taxes regularly. The industries supply spare parts to major companies like Tata Motors, Bajaj, and Alfa Laval. The association argues that these industries do not cause air or water pollution, yet action is being taken against them under the pretext of pollution control.

The association claims that the demolition drive has caused an estimated loss of 7,600 crore rupees so far, including 2,600 crores for sheds, 3,500 crores for machinery and equipment, and 1,500 crores for raw and finished materials. They fear that if action continues against the remaining 800 industries, the total loss could reach 15,000 crore rupees.

Sandeep Belsare has demanded that the action against the remaining industries be halted and that three months be given for removing machinery. He also urged the administration not to force the removal of materials from land owned by the industrialists. The association does not oppose action against industries on the road or reserved land but argues that many of the affected businesses have fire department no-objection certificates and are operating legally.

In response, Manoj Lonkar, Deputy Commissioner of PCMC overseeing the encroachment action, stated that notices were issued on 8th January, initially granting 15 days. Following protests, an additional seven days were provided.