PCMC Issues Notice to PNG Jewelers in Nigdi for Operating Without Occupancy Certificate

PNG Jewelers, located in Nigdi, has received a notice from the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) for commencing operations without obtaining a Occupancy Certificate. Despite the incomplete construction of the building and the absence of any evidence of its completion, PNG Jewelers inaugurated a new showroom in Nigdi. Following public outcry on social media platforms, PCMC took action by issuing a notice to PNG Jewelers and imposing fines on them.

Makarand Nikam, City Engineer (Civil) at PCMC, stated, “PNG Jewelers’ Nigdi branch lacks a Occupancy Certificate, hence the issuance of the notice. This offense is compoundable, allowing them to pay a fine to obtain the certificate. Failure to comply will result in further action by PCMC.”

The new showroom of PNG Jewelers in Nigdi spans an area of 2800 square feet, though the construction work remains incomplete. While the groundwork for the lower floor has been finished, the interior of the hall is still under progress.

Concerns were raised on social media regarding the commencement of operations despite the incomplete construction and the absence of a Occupancy Certificate. Queries emerged about the initiation of the corridor without any proof of construction completion and why PCMC had not taken immediate action.

PNG Jewellers spokesperson on the matter issued a statement. The spokesperson said, “In order to launch any new store, it takes a considerable amount of time and effort and the entire event has to be planned well in advance. At the time of planning the opening event, the builder had assured us that he will get the required clearances and documents before the launch date and based on his commitment, we planned the entire launch. This included inviting Madhuri Dixit, our brand ambassador, and other VIPs to the event and marketing the whole event across all platforms (print/online/outdoor etc) and across town.”

The statement further stated, “Even two days before the launch, we were once again assured by the builder and his team that all is on track and we will be getting the required clearances the next day. However on the eve of the launch, we were informed by the builder that he has been unable to get the required documents due to some technical issues and will be able to do so only after the launch as the concerned authorities had a holiday for the next three days due to a public holiday (Maha Shivratri) on the day of the launch and weekend holidays for the following two days. Since we had already spent a considerable amount of time, money and effort in planning and marketing the entire launch event and inviting celebrities and VIPs, we were unable to cancel the launch at the last minute. However after the store launch event, we kept the store closed for the next three days until the builder got the necessary clearances and documents and submitted the same to us. Since we have not purchased the store, the entire responsibility of documentation and getting the clearances was on the builder who failed to get the proper documentation done in time.”

Shreyas Vange