Pune: Massive Anti-Encroachment Drive In Paud; Unauthorized Shops Demolished
Paud, 12th March 2025: Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) and Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) have launched a large-scale anti-encroachment drive along the Chandni Chowk to Paud Highway. The campaign, which began last week, intensified as multiple illegal structures along the Paud-Kolwan road were demolished in coordination with the Public Works Department (PWD).
Unauthorized shops and tin sheds encroaching within eight meters of the road were removed with the help of JCB machines. Additionally, illegal establishments along the Paud-Kolwan road and within the central Paud area were razed. Even shops located in front of the Paud ST bus stand were demolished. Anticipating the action, several shopkeepers voluntarily vacated their premises before the demolition began.
The operation was carried out under heavy police presence, with Senior Police Inspector Santosh Girigosavi, officers Sudhir Ghule, Sudhir Kadam, and Balaji Kamble overseeing the process. Officials from PMRDA, MSRDC, PWD, along with two JCB machines and a fire brigade unit, were deployed to ensure the smooth execution of the drive.
The demolition of long-standing businesses has left many shopkeepers in distress, as they face economic losses and uncertainty about where to restart their livelihoods.
Senior Inspector Girigosavi issued a stern warning stating that no one should attempt to re-establish their shops in the cleared areas, or legal action will be taken.
