Pune: Traffic and Encroachment Issues Addressed in Koregaon Park Cleanup Drive

Koregaon Park, 17th January 2025: Authorities in Pune, acting on complaints from residents, conducted an anti-encroachment drive in Koregaon Park’s Lane 5 and Lane 6 to address safety concerns for pedestrians and ensure smoother traffic flow. The operation, carried out jointly by the Pune police and Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), spanned Thursday and Friday.

Pune Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar explained that the initiative followed discussions with local residents to address their grievances. “We acted against beggars and hawkers operating illegally in these lanes. Eateries were instructed to remove tables and chairs from footpaths, as they were inconveniencing pedestrians,” Kumar stated.

In addition to addressing illegal encroachments, unruly motorists and vehicles causing congestion in these busy lanes were penalized. “This coordinated effort between the police and PMC will continue over the coming days to maintain order,” Kumar added.

Assistant Commissioner of Police (Traffic Zone-1) Subhash Nikam highlighted measures implemented to manage parking. “The stretch between Koregaon Park Junction and ABC Farm Chowk has been declared a ‘no parking and no halting zone.’ Parking has now been reserved on the east side of Lane 5 and Lane 6 after the removal of 24 encroachments. Vehicles can continue to park on both sides of Lane 7,” Nikam said.

Traffic violators also faced strict action. Nikam reported, “Three motorists were penalized for triple-seat riding, and 60 vehicles were caught violating ‘no entry’ rules. Additionally, 11 individuals were caught riding without registration plates, while 75 vehicles were fined for obstructing traffic. Four motorists were penalized for using mobile phones while driving, and one individual faced action for parking on the pavement.”

A PMC official from the anti-encroachment department noted that the operation aligns with directives issued in a recent meeting with elected representatives. “The administration has initiated a drive to clear encroachments from roads, footpaths, and open spaces under the jurisdiction of 15 ward offices,” the official said.

Local residents have voiced concerns over ongoing issues despite previous actions. Yogesh Pingle, president of the All Koregaon Park Action Committee, said, “We raised issues such as illegal spas and hookah parlours, along with the growing traffic congestion on North Main Road and Koregaon Park Annexe Road, during the recent visit of senior police officers. The situation worsened after the Sadhu Vaswani Bridge demolition, as motorists avoid South Main Road, creating bottlenecks in Lane 5 and Lane 6.”