PCMC Demolishes 1,511 Unauthorized Structures Over 276 Acres in Kudalwadi and Chikhli

Pimpri Chinchwad February 10: In a significant move to reclaim public land and enforce urban planning regulations, the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) has undertaken a rigorous demolition drive in the Kudalwadi and Chikhli areas. Over a span of three days, the civic body has dismantled 1,511 unauthorized structures, covering an extensive area of 276 acres.

Breakdown of the Demolition Drive:

• February 8: Demolished 222 structures across 42 acres.
• February 9: Targeted 607 illegal constructions over 157 acres.
• February 10: Cleared 682 unauthorized buildings spanning 77 acres.

The primary focus of this operation has been the removal of unauthorized tin sheds, factories, warehouses, scrap shops, and other constructions encroaching upon designated development plan (DP) roads and areas reserved for public amenities. The PCMC’s Building Permission and Unauthorized Construction Control Department, along with regional strike teams, spearheaded the initiative.

On February 10, the demolition team cleared approximately 3,358,130 square feet of illegal constructions, encompassing 682 structures. The operation was extensive, involving four executive engineers, 16 deputy engineers, 180 personnel from the Maharashtra Security Force, and 600 police officers and laborers. Heavy machinery, including 16 excavators, eight JCBs, one crane, and four cutters, was deployed to facilitate the process. Additionally, three fire engines and two ambulances were stationed on-site to address any emergencies. Officials from the police department and the power distribution company also collaborated in this large-scale operation.

This decisive action by the PCMC underscores its commitment to urban planning and public safety. The civic body has been actively issuing notices to owners of illegal structures, urging them to dismantle unauthorized constructions voluntarily. Failure to comply has led to these stringent measures. The PCMC has emphasized that such demolition drives will persist to ensure adherence to development plans and to safeguard spaces meant for public facilities.

The community’s response has been mixed. While many residents support the initiative, citing concerns over safety hazards and environmental issues associated with unauthorized constructions, some business owners have expressed apprehension. Notably, in late January, a group of business proprietors, including scrap shop operators and warehouse owners, protested against the demolition drive by blocking the Dehu-Alandi Road. The protest highlighted the tension between development regulations and the livelihoods of those operating in these areas.