Pune: PCMC Demolishes 36 Unauthorized Bungalows on Indrayani River Floodline in Chikhali
Chikhali, 17th May 2025: Action has begun against 36 allegedly illegal structures along the Indrayani River in Pimpri-Chinchwad. After facing numerous obstacles and repeated opposition, the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) has initiated the demolition of unauthorised bungalows under the River Villa Project, located within the blue-line zone of the Indrayani River. The demolition work began early in the morning and is expected to continue until evening.
Providing background, PCMC Commissioner Shekhar Singh told the media, “In July 2024, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) issued an order directing PCMC to take action within six months against illegal structures within the blue-line zone and imposed a Rs 5 crore fine on the landowners. The aggrieved owners challenged the NGT’s order in the Supreme Court of India, which dismissed their appeal. Subsequently, they filed a review petition with the NGT, which was also rejected. The landowners then approached the Supreme Court again, this time against the rejection of the review. A stay was granted, which delayed the implementation of the NGT’s six-month deadline. Multiple hearings followed, and on 4th May, the Supreme Court upheld the NGT’s order and directed PCMC to proceed with enforcement.”
He clarified, “There’s some confusion being spread that the Supreme Court has now given a fresh six-month deadline. That is not true. With the monsoon approaching, we cannot demolish during the rains, so we are completing the work beforehand. We have already issued warnings to residents over the past few days.”
Urging public awareness, Singh added, “I appeal to the people of Pimpri-Chinchwad not to build within the blue-line zone and to verify whether a property lies in the blue or red zone before buying. We are compelled to take action, even if we do not like it personally—law and order must be enforced. Every buyer must check for proper building permissions before purchasing a home.”
Regarding fines and demolition costs, he stated that, as per standing policy, the demolition expenses will be recovered from the landowners. The Supreme Court has upheld the Rs 5 crore fine imposed by the NGT, and PCMC will act by the NGT and Supreme Court decisions.
Background and Illegality:
– The River Villa Project in Pimpri-Chinchwad, specifically at Chikhali along the Indrayani River, has been declared illegal due to multiple violations of environmental and municipal regulations.
– Developed by entities including M/s Jare World and VSquare, the project involved constructing bungalows within the blue flood-line zone of the Indrayani River. The blue flood line marks riverbank areas where construction is strictly prohibited to prevent flooding and protect ecological balance. The project was carried out on Survey No. 90 at Chikhali, where developers sold plots and erected structures in violation of the Environment Protection Act, 1986; the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974; and the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981.
– The NGT took cognisance of a petition filed by local activist Tanaji Gambhire, which highlighted the environmental risks. A joint committee investigation confirmed the presence of unauthorised construction and environmental violations. Although registered sale deeds existed, the buildings lacked necessary permissions and directly violated environmental norms.
– The NGT ordered the demolition of the illegal bungalows and levied Rs 5 crore as environmental damage compensation (EDC) on the owners and developers. The Supreme Court upheld the NGT’s decision, dismissed the developers’ and residents’ appeals, and directed PCMC to execute the demolition and ensure environmental restoration.
– PCMC is now obligated to submit compliance reports to both the High Court and the NGT following the demolition. The drive targets at least 29 to 36 bungalows, marking a significant legal precedent in the strict enforcement of environmental regulations in flood-prone and ecologically sensitive zones, ensuring that unapproved development does not endanger river ecosystems or public safety.
