Pune: Lohgaon Residents Appeal to Union Minister Mohol to Halt Demolitions Near Air Force Base
Lohgaon, 1st July 2025: Residents of Lohgaon have urged Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation, Murlidhar Mohol, to intervene and stop the ongoing demolition actions by the Air Force authorities and the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC). The residents argue that many of these structures were built before the imposition of restrictions within 100 meters and 900 meters of the Air Force boundary wall.
According to current regulations, no construction is permitted within 100 meters of the boundary wall, and severe restrictions apply up to 900 meters. In 2015, the High Court ordered the demolition of structures built within these zones. Following those orders, the municipal corporation conducted drone surveys to photograph buildings in these restricted areas and plans to submit its survey report to the court soon, informed local resident Sunil Khandve.
Meanwhile, the Pune Municipal Corporation has already demolished 24 buildings in Lohgaon (funnel area of Pune airport near bomb dump) triggering widespread concern. The residents met Minister Mohol, highlighting that before these new restrictions were enforced, their homes and settlements had existed for years. They argued that further demolition will cause irreparable damage to families and their livelihoods.
One resident pointed out that while the corporation continues to collect taxes from Lohgaon residents, it fails to provide basic civic amenities.
“The authorities should immediately halt this action, or else people will face enormous hardship,” residents told the minister during their meeting.
