Pune: PCMC to Begin Demolition of Bungalows in Indrayani River’s Blue Floodline After NGT Order

Chikhali, 3rd December 2024: The Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) is set to initiate the demolition of 29 bungalows located within the blue floodline of the Indrayani River in Chikhali. This action comes in compliance with a directive from the National Green Tribunal (NGT), which had set a December deadline for the removal of these structures.

In July, the NGT had ordered the municipal corporation to demolish the bungalows within six months, citing violations of environmental norms. These structures were built in the floodline area, posing a risk to the environment.

A senior PCMC official confirmed, “The owners of the bungalows have been issued final notices. They were given an opportunity to present their case during a hearing at the municipal corporation, which is part of the standard procedure before proceeding with demolition. Since the matter is no longer pending in any court, we will soon begin the demolition process to comply with the NGT’s order.”

In August, the bungalow owners had approached the Supreme Court to challenge the NGT’s decision. However, the apex court dismissed their appeal, allowing the civic body to proceed with the demolition. The NGT also imposed a fine of Rs 5 crore on the owners for violating environmental norms.

This demolition is part of a broader effort by PCMC to address illegal constructions in flood-prone areas. In August, during an ongoing survey, the civic body identified 2,534 structures in the blue floodline across the city, including 1,393 residential, 1,118 commercial, and 24 other types of constructions. In September, 27 structures were demolished as part of the drive, but the action was later suspended following protests by citizens.

PCMC officials indicated that the demolition campaign could resume soon in other parts of the city, particularly in the blue floodline areas. During his party’s campaign for Pimpri Chinchwad candidates, BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis had promised to address the issue of constructions in the floodline areas after the Mahayuti government was formed in the state.

The Irrigation Department had submitted floodline marking plans for the Indrayani River to PCMC in 2009. Activists have pointed out that many constructions, which were granted permission by the civic body before the floodline demarcation, still exist. The number of such properties remains a significant concern for environmental groups.