Pune: PMC Removes 54 Illegal Stalls from Sarasbaug Chowpatty, Seizes 7 Truckloads of Material
Swargate, 11th July 2025: Cracking down on the growing encroachment at Pune’s popular Sarasbaug Chowpatty, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) on Thursday cleared 54 unauthorized sheds and seized seven truckloads of materials including tables, chairs, and food counters.
The action followed multiple complaints from citizens about the increasing chaos and obstruction caused by illegal stalls in the area.
The anti-encroachment drive was carried out by the PMC’s Kasba-Vishrambaugwada regional office under the directives of Municipal Commissioner, following instructions to restore order at the busy public spot.
According to civic officials, the removed structures were set up beyond the limits of official permits. “These were unauthorized extensions and had turned into a nuisance for visitors. The operation was necessary to reclaim public space,” said an official involved in the action.
The drive was executed under the supervision of Deputy Commissioners Sandeep Khalate (Encroachment Department) and Sunil Ballal (Zone 5), with Assistant Commissioner of the Kasba-Vishrambaugwada ward leading the team on ground.
Key officers present during the operation included Umesh Narule (Zonal Encroachment Officer – Zones 3 & 5), Shrikrishna Sonar (Regional Encroachment Inspector), along with Assistant Inspectors Rajesh Khude, Bhimaji Shinde, and Shashikant Tak.
To support the enforcement, the team was backed by five police personnel, 20 Maharashtra Security Force (MSF) jawans, three JCB machines, one gas cutter, and support staff from Zones 3 and 5.
