Pune: Wagholi Commercial Buildings Face Imminent Demolition After Air Force Issues Notices For Unauthorized Construction
Wagholi, 30th January 2024: In a significant development, the Air Force Station, Pune, has issued notices to several commercial buildings situated along the Pune- Ahmednagar Highway in the Sai Satyam Park area of Wagholi, Pune. The notices declare these buildings as unauthorized structures located in airspace, owned by the Government of India (Air Force).
The affected buildings, situated on Survey No. 289 (Old Group No. 2340, New Group No. 1354/2), are in violation of Section 5A(2) of the Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorized Occupants) Act, 1971. The notice, issued on January 4, 2024, provides a 15-day deadline for the demolition of these unauthorized constructions.
This is not the first notice served in this regard. A similar notice was issued on May 17, 2023. At that time, businessmen occupying the buildings had submitted documents to the Air Force, which were duly verified. However, the subsequent inspection revealed that the constructions were still illegal, as the area falls under the ownership of the Air Force.
The notice, invoking Section 5A(2) of the Act, mandates the removal of the unauthorized buildings within 15 days from the date of receiving the notice. It explicitly states that if the building is not removed or an insufficient reason is provided, the cost of demolition will be recovered from the concerned parties.
Notably, the Air Force carried out a physical presence in the area, utilizing speakers to instruct the removal of the buildings. Business owners, facing the threat of demolition, have approached the High Court to contest the notices.
Ramdas Dabhade, a former Zilla Parishad Member, expressed concerns over the situation, emphasizing that those who had sold the plots years ago earned profits, while current businessmen face the risk of losing their livelihoods.
Dabhade urged the administration to consider the timeline of events and take appropriate action in this matter.
