River Villa Row: Will 36 Bungalows Demolition Fallout Impact Upcoming Municipal Elections in Pimpri-Chinchwad?
Reported by Varad Bhatkhande
Pimpri-Chinchwad, 24th May 2025: A week after the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) demolished 36 illegally constructed homes in the River Villa project at Chikhali, dozens of families have been left homeless and financially devastated. The action followed a National Green Tribunal (NGT) order, later upheld by the Supreme Court, directing PCMC to raze the encroachments and recover a ₹5 crore penalty.
From 2021 to 2023, the River Villa project witnessed significant property sales. However, in 2024, the NGT declared the construction illegal, citing environmental violations. Following its order, PCMC proceeded with the demolition and is now set to recover the fine and demolition expenses from the affected residents.
The consequences for the families are dire. “We are now renting flats and simultaneously paying EMIs on our destroyed homes,” said Ganesh Khule, one of the affected residents. “Our big houses were demolished, and now we are crammed into small rental flats. On top of that, PCMC wants us to pay for the demolition and the ₹5 crore fine. We need help. These charges should at least be waived, and we should get compensation or relocation support.”
As public outrage grows, political leaders across Pimpri-Chinchwad have begun responding—some with promises, others with silence, while a few appear to be maneuvering ahead of the upcoming municipal elections.
Bhosari MLA Mahesh Landge of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) called the incident unfortunate. Speaking to Punekar News, he said, “The Supreme Court’s order was followed. I sympathize with those affected and will help them as much as I can. This should not be politicized—it must be seen through the lens of humanity and compassion. The administration must ensure such incidents never recur.”
Sanjog Waghere Patil, city president of the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray faction), told Punekar News, “This construction should never have happened. The person who did the plotting must be held responsible. Buyers paid money in good faith. The administration failed in oversight. It didn’t happen overnight—it took years. Alternatives should have been found for the affected people.”
Former Bhosari MLA Vilas Lande of the Ajit Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) said, “Though the construction was illegal, PCMC should have stopped it while it was being built. People’s life savings are gone. Why was this specific project targeted when there are many unauthorized constructions in the city? The original landowners who sold the land must be held accountable. I demand justice for the residents and relocation support.”
Former Corporator Sulbha Ubale of the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena also voiced her concern. “These residents were defrauded. A builder sold the plots under the guise of residential zoning and then built houses. PCMC should have acted much earlier. The victims deserve compensation. Yes, buyers should have been cautious, but those who committed the fraud must be held accountable and forced to compensate them.”
Punekar News attempted to contact leaders from the Sharad Pawar-led NCP and the Congress Party, including former Corporator Ajit Gavhane, who contested against MLA Mahesh Landge in the last election, and Kailas Kadam, Congress Pimpri-Chinchwad City President. However, both were unavailable for comment at the time of publishing.
