Pune Police, PMC Launch Major Drive Against Illegal Hoardings and Encroachments from March 12
Reported by Mubarak Ansari
Pune, 11th March 2026: In a joint effort to tackle the growing problem of illegal hoardings, traffic obstructions, and encroachments, the Pune Police and the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) will launch a special enforcement drive across the city from Thursday (March 12). The campaign will focus on removing unauthorised hoardings, clearing footpath encroachments, taking action against illegal street vendors, and towing away abandoned vehicles from public roads.
The decision was announced on Wednesday following a joint meeting of senior officials held at the Police Commissionerate. Addressing a press conference after the meeting, Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar and Municipal Commissioner Naval Kishore Ram said the drive would be carried out on a war footing to improve the city’s appearance and ease traffic movement. Joint Commissioner of Police Ranjankumar Sharma was also present.
Officials said the campaign aims to maintain coordination between the police and civic administration to keep the city clean and well organised. Authorities warned that illegal hoardings will be removed immediately, and if owners fail to remove them voluntarily, cases will be registered not only against the individuals responsible but also against printers and publishers involved in producing the hoardings.
To reduce traffic congestion, authorities have identified several bottleneck locations and encroachments at major intersections where the narrowing of roads or other obstructions slow down traffic movement. These obstacles will be removed to ensure smoother traffic flow.
The administration has also identified nearly 400 spots in the city where waterlogging occurs during the monsoon. Repairs to sewage lines and related infrastructure will be undertaken before the rainy season to address the issue.
Action will also be taken against vehicles that have been abandoned on roads for long periods. Such vehicles will be towed and taken into custody. Enforcement will also be intensified against unauthorised street vendors operating on major roads including Namdar Gopal Krishna Gokhale Road (Fergusson College Road), Jangli Maharaj Road, and other busy stretches in the city.
Officials revealed that over the past year, 527 cases have been registered in connection with encroachments in Pune.
Strict action will also be taken against paan stalls and vendors selling tobacco and gutkha within 100 metres of educational institutions. The drive will be conducted through coordination between local police stations and PMC ward offices, with participation from local public representatives and citizens.
Authorities expressed confidence that visible changes in the city’s appearance and traffic conditions would be seen within the coming week.
Focus on strengthening public transport
Officials said the administration is also working on both short-term and long-term measures to improve Pune’s public transport system. Removing encroachments at intersections and clearing bottleneck locations are expected to help increase traffic speed and reduce congestion.
Action against heavy vehicles
Restrictions are already in place on the movement of heavy vehicles during peak hours in the city for public safety. However, some drivers have been found violating these rules. Authorities said such vehicles are being monitored through CCTV cameras and strict action, including the registration of offences when necessary, will be taken against violators.
