Encroachments and narrow roads irk Wakad residents
By: Pune Pulse
September 12, 2023
Pune: Residents of several residential societies of Wakad such as Nandan Inspera, Eden Tower, Costa Rica, Paradiso and more are in distress due to huge roadside encroachments.
Also, the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) had earlier assured of widening the road upto 45 meters, however, the PCMC has only widened it to 29 meters, making it more problematic.
Speaking to Pune Pulse, Rohit Sawant, a resident of Costa Rica, Wakad said, “Long encroachments have become a total menace here. Up to Mauli Chowk & maybe even further, these roadside encroachments are there. There is no road or footpath left for people to walk on. Several shops & hawkers simply install their businesses here. Several societies had sent a letter to the PCMC for a 45-meter-wide road. However, the PCMC has only widened it up to 29 meters. Encroachments are also still there. Not sure when this will be resolved for good in reality.”
Sachin Londhe, vice president, Pimpri Chinchwad Housing Societies Federation said, “Members of many Wakad societies have already submitted a letter to PCMC to widen the road to 43 meters but PCMC has widened it to only 29 meters without removing encroachments. No response is there from the PCMC regarding this yet.”
Shreyas Bobade, a resident of Eden Tower, Wakad said, “The PCMC had assured the widening of the 45-meter road but it hasn’t happened yet & even if it does, it won’t do any good as such because anyway the road will become of only 2 lanes from which one lane will be utilized for parking. Also, the encroachment is too much. Hence, proper planning hasn’t been done by the PCMC.”
Vijay Sarnaik, Assistant Commissioner, PCMC Land & Estates Department said, “The PCMC has already begun an encroachment removal drive across the entire city. Now, it has been extended up to September 15 wherein we will cover the maximum amount of areas for encroachment removal.”
Pune Pulse tried to contact the relevant PCMC Road Department officials but couldn’t connect till the filing of this report.
