Pune: PMRDA Removes 70 Illegal Hoardings Along Palkhi Route Ahead of Ashadhi Wari
Pune, 26th June 2026: In preparation for the Ashadhi Wari pilgrimage of Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj and Sant Tukaram Maharaj in July, the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) has intensified its drive against illegal hoardings, removing 70 unauthorised structures along the Palkhi route within its jurisdiction.
The action was undertaken to ensure the smooth and safe passage of lakhs of Warkaris participating in the annual pilgrimage. PMRDA Metropolitan Commissioner Dr. Abhijit Chaudhari and Additional Commissioner K. Manjulakshmi had directed officials in May to conduct a comprehensive survey of hoardings along the Palkhi route and remove all unauthorised structures.
Following these directions, the PMRDA’s Unauthorised Construction Department surveyed around 123 hoardings located along the Palkhi routes in Haveli, Daund and Purandar talukas.
After completing the necessary legal procedures, officials demolished 70 illegal hoardings that had been erected without the required permissions, said Himmat Kharade, Joint Commissioner of the Unauthorised Construction Department.
The demolished structures included 32 hoardings on the Haveli–Solapur Road, 13 each in Daund and Purandar talukas, and 12 in Wadki. In addition, some hoarding owners voluntarily removed their unauthorised installations.
PMRDA officials said the survey is now being expanded beyond the main Palkhi route to cover other major roads and strategic locations across the Pune district within the authority’s jurisdiction. Any hoardings found to have been erected without valid permission will also face strict action.
The authority has urged advertisers and businesses to obtain the necessary approvals from PMRDA before installing hoardings, warning that unauthorised structures will be removed without exception.
“Obtaining PMRDA’s permission is mandatory before installing any hoarding within our jurisdiction. Strict action will be taken against all unauthorised and illegal hoardings without any leniency,” said Dr. Abhijit Chaudhari, Metropolitan Commissioner, PMRDA.
