Pune: PMC Demolishes Illegal Commercial Structures in Budhwar Peth Housing Society Drive

Budhwar Peth, 18th January 2024: The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) initiated a crackdown on illegal commercial establishments encroaching upon parking spaces, demolishing shops at a housing society in Budhwar Peth on Tuesday. This decisive action, prompted by resident complaints, aims to curb the proliferation of unauthorized constructions in civic areas.

A senior official from the civic body stated that similar demolitions would be planned across the city, with a primary focus on Peth areas in the initial phase of the drive.

Legal practitioner Rajashree Dixit, who filed a complaint in this matter, emphasized the need for strict action against both illegal constructions and the officials who overlooked them. Activists argue that the nexus between local politicians, civic officials, and those engaging in commercial activities in parking areas is the root cause behind the surge in such properties.

Residents echoed their concerns, noting that while some properties in parking areas were demolished, attention should also be directed towards constructions in ducts. These structures, causing ventilation and commuting issues, were leased out for commercial purposes, including bookshops and storerooms.

PMC officials defended their actions, emphasizing the need to prevent accidents by targeting unauthorized structures in various parts of the city. The demolition drive extended to illegal shed structures and concrete houses in slum pockets, including areas like Shivajinagar, Kasba Peth, Wadgaonsheri, Ambegaon, Kothrud, Katraj, NIBM Road, and Pashan.

Despite previous actions against properties in side and front margins, residents reported that many razed illegal structures resurfaced over time. PMC officials assured ongoing efforts to address the issue and also conducted drives against dilapidated buildings.