Pune: To save themselves, PMC officers want 200 residents to vacate building within 24 hours due to ‘danger’
Katraj, June 14, 2020: For the last three years the residents of Padmaja Park 2, located opposite Lake Town society in Katraj, have been running from pillar to post as boulders have been falling in their compound from the adjoining hill after the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) constructed a sports complex and swimming pool on top of the hill.
However, they got the shock of their life when PMC officers visited the premises, and then issued a notice to the residents to vacate the 10-storied Padmaja Park 2 building within 24 hours as due to rains more boulders may fall from the hill posing danger to the building and the lives of the people living there. PMC fears there may be a landslide in the rainy season.
According to the residents, the building was constructed about 10 years ago and there was no issue until PMC used heavy machinery for digging the hilltop three years ago for construction of the complex there. Since then whenever there is rain, boulders start falling from the hilltop. The latest being on June 3 when there were heavy rains in the area due to Cyclone Nisarga, said society secretary Deepak Firodiya.
The Society Chairman Dilip Naukudkar said that PMC must withdraw the notice as it is against the law. “There is a restriction on people’s movements due to the Coronavirus pandemic. Instead of asking us to leave the building, PMC should take precautionary measures so that boulders do not fall from the hill. If PMC does not withdraw its notice, we will legally challenge it,” Naukudkar said.
The PMC notice dated June 12 issued by the building development department states, “The building where you live is in danger for the following reasons:
1) As the building is dilapidated and old,
2) Maintenance and repair of the building are not done as required.
3) Notice of repair work under section 264 (1) of the Maharashtra Municipal Corporation Act by this department, even if the landlord or tenant does not make the proposal as per the notice.
4) For the construction of a new building adjacent to your property leaving the base of the building.
5) By digging for a new building in the adjacent property.
6) Due to the danger of construction below / above the area where you live.
7) Because of the danger in the building next to the place where you live.
8) The land on the side of PMC sports complex has caved in which may pose danger to the compound wall or building. To avoid loss of life and property due to rains, all the occupants of the building should immediately vacate the entire building (empty) within 24 hours.
“For the reasons given above, the building you are living in is in danger of collapsing at any time. There is a possibility of a loss of life/property. Therefore, vacate the building immediately (within 24 hours) until the danger is averted.
You are given notice that, upon receipt of this notice, you should vacate the space in your possession and cooperate with us to avoid loss of life/property. If you do not follow the instructions, then we may vacate the building with the help of the police. We will have to exercise the powers vested in us under Section 268 (7) of the Maharashtra Municipal Corporation Act in accordance with the powers conferred on us by the Hon’ble Municipal Commissioner.
The living space will have to be vacated. You are expected to show common sense so that we will not have to exercise our powers under Section 268 (b) of the Maharashtra Municipal Corporation Act. Please note that if you delay, waste or delay in taking action as per the above notice and in case of loss of life/property due to it, you will be responsible for it”, states the notice issued by Deputy Engineer of the PMC Building Development department Zone 5.
When contacted, PMC officials said that they will hold a meeting with the residents on Monday to find out a solution.
