Pune: PCMC Asks IGR to Halt Registration of Illegal Constructions in Flood-Prone Zones

Pimpri-Chinchwad, 29th September 2025: The Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) has urged the Inspector General of Registration (IGR) department to stop the registration of unauthorised structures located in the blue floodline zones along the Indrayani, Mula, and Pavana rivers.

A senior civic official clarified that the directive targets only completed illegal constructions, not vacant plots. “Transactions involving open land cannot be restricted by the civic body or any other government agency. While construction in the blue floodline is prohibited, the land can still be used for agriculture or other non-construction purposes,” the official said.

Atul Patil, head of PCMC’s anti-encroachment department, explained that the move aims to curb the sale and purchase of illegal properties, which are often offered below market value. “We have issued notices to 1,686 structures in the blue floodline and shared this list with the registrar’s department. Many buyers, unaware of the restrictions, are enticed by lower prices only to later discover that the property is illegal and could face demolition,” Patil said.

A senior PCMC officer added that the state government had issued a government resolution about three years ago, directing civic bodies to be informed about property transactions in prohibited zones. “Our building permission department is already monitoring construction in these areas. Many illegal structures were demolished during a drive conducted two months ago,” he said.

Municipal Commissioner Shekhar Singh emphasized the need for buyers to verify property details before purchasing. “We have completed GIS mapping of all properties within PCMC limits and will soon launch an online platform where residents can check property information, including floodline restrictions, using the survey number,” Singh said.

However, activist Sarang Yadwadkar criticized the approach, alleging that some projects in floodline areas had been granted construction permission by PCMC and the irrigation department. “Several illegal constructions have appeared within PCMC limits after floodline demarcation, but civic officials largely ignored them. When the civic body carries out riverfront development in these areas, it cannot blame citizens for violations,” he added.

The PCMC’s initiative highlights the challenges in controlling illegal construction while balancing citizen awareness and enforcement of floodline regulations.