Pune: NIBM Road Residents Criticise PMC’s Demolition Drive As Illegal Structures Reappear, Seek Legal Action
Pune: NIBM Road Residents Criticise PMC’s Demolition Drive As Illegal Structures Reappear, Seek Legal Action
Pune, August 9, 2025 – The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) on Tuesday morning carried out a demolition drive on NIBM Road, specifically in the Kausarbaugh, near Lonkar Garden in the Kondhwa area. The drive was executed by the PMC’s Building and Construction Department, targeting unauthorised constructions made by various eateries and shops.
PMC demolished illegal construction over 22,000 square feet.
The enforcement team razed illegal extensions, including those constructed along the front and side margins, as well as on rooftop areas. These structures had been developed in violation of building regulations and were contributing to pedestrian inconvenience and traffic congestion on the busy road stretch.
While the move was initially welcomed by several local residents, frustration is mounting as many claim the demolitions yield no long-term impact. According to residents, shopkeepers often resume business as usual within hours, reconstructing the same illegal setups. “The action seems like a temporary show. By evening, some of the encroachments are back again. This has been a recurring pattern,” said one of the residents.
Residents now say they are considering legal options to push for more permanent enforcement measures. They argue that unless there is a sustained follow-up from the civic authorities and strict penal action against repeat offenders, the issue of encroachment will continue to plague the area.
Citizens are also questioning whether there is a leak of information from within the PMC, as several shopkeepers were seen shutting their establishments and removing temporary structures before the demolition squad arrived.
Local activists have urged the PMC to increase vigilance and explore stronger legal measures to ensure that civic orders are respected and public spaces are preserved.
