Pune: PMC’s ‘Surgical Strike’ on Encroachments at JM Road, FC Road; Over 50 Shops Face Action
Reported by Mubarak Ansari
Shivajinagar, 21st November 2025: In a sudden and unprecedented late-evening drive, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) carried out a major crackdown on encroachments along the busy Junglee Maharaj (JM) Road and Fergusson College (FC) Road on Friday. The operation, described internally as a “surgical strike,” led to action against more than 50 shops, hotels and street vendors.
Additional Municipal Commissioner Prithviraj B. P. was personally present on the ground during the operation, sending a strong signal that the administration intends to take encroachment violations seriously. Most of these stalls get patronage from local politicians in connivance with the PMC and police officials.
The move comes amid rising complaints about blocked footpaths and pedestrian spaces along JM Road and FC Road—both redeveloped under the Urban Street Project. Despite new footpaths, several commercial establishments allegedly extended their operations onto the public walkway, erecting sheds, occupying margins and obstructing pedestrian movement.
PMC officials said the usual pattern of encroachment removals—typically conducted in the afternoon—often leads to businesses re-occupying the space once the teams leave. To break this cycle, the civic body intentionally launched the drive in the evening, catching many violators off guard and triggering chaos among traders.
According to officials, the civic team removed sheds, awnings and unauthorized extensions using a JCB machine. Fridges, display counters, stalls, stands, tables and chairs placed on the footpath and road were confiscated. Some shopkeepers attempted to resist, but a heavy police deployment prevented any major disruption. Deputy Commissioner (Encroachment) Somnath Bankar, Deputy Commissioner Ramesh Shelar and ward office teams monitored the operation.
‘Informers’ Caught Off Guard
For years, informal information networks within the encroachment department allegedly alerted traders ahead of planned actions, helping them temporarily clear their setups. However, Friday’s drive was planned with complete secrecy. PMC’s encroachment squads were summoned to the main building earlier in the day without being told the location of the operation. As a result, even these ‘informers’ were unable to tip off traders, officials said.
The move appears to have exposed the internal leakages that often dilute enforcement efforts, and the administration’s strategy has sent a strong message that surprise actions may become more frequent in major commercial zones.
