Pune: PMC Issues Eviction Notice to Dhankawdi Building Residents After Wall Collapse, Families Demand Structural Report
Dhankawdi, 21st May 2025: A partial collapse of the compound wall at Padmavatinagar Society’s ‘C Wing’ in Dhankawdi during Tuesday night’s downpour prompted the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) to serve an urgent evacuation notice to residents. However, occupants of the 28-flat building resisted the move, questioning the lack of proof regarding the structure’s safety.
In the official communication issued late Tuesday, the PMC directed residents to vacate the premises immediately, citing potential risks to life and property. “This is to inform you that you must vacate the premises immediately upon receiving this notice. Failure to comply will lead to action under Section 268 (7) of the Maharashtra Municipal Corporation Act, including police intervention if required,” the notice stated.
Despite the warning, residents refused to leave, insisting on a detailed structural audit before any action. Deepak Parekh, a structural engineer and resident, expressed concern over the timing of the notice. “Samples have been taken from the site for a stability assessment. Asking people to evacuate before verifying the results is unfair and premature,” Parekh told reporters.
The incident has triggered internal disputes within the housing society. Some former committee members blamed the new management for not addressing repeated warnings. “The new committee ignored alerts regarding nearby illegal constructions. This negligence has put lives at risk,” alleged Sanjay Patel, a long-time resident.
The wall collapse narrowly missed turning tragic. Three children—a six-year-old girl and her two brothers, aged 12 and 13—were asleep when debris and loose stones from the damaged wall broke through a tin sheet and landed on their bed. All three miraculously escaped without major injuries.
The mishap also affected several roadside vegetable vendors living in makeshift shelters next to the wall. At least 15 families have been residing in tin sheds adjacent to the society’s compound.
On Wednesday, a delegation from the society met PMC officials at the civic headquarters to discuss further action. PMC Additional Commissioner Prithviraj B. P. confirmed that the responsibility of strengthening the damaged wall lies with the housing society. “The society has been directed to take necessary safety measures. Preventive steps are essential to avoid similar incidents in the area,” he stated.
The civic body has reiterated that unless urgent repairs are undertaken and the structure is declared safe, no residents should remain in the premises.
