Pune: 27 Illegal Vegetable Markets in Aundh & Baner Raided by PMC
Pune: 27 Illegal Vegetable Markets in Aundh & Baner Raided by PMC
PUNE: The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has taken strict action against 27 unauthorised weekly vegetable markets operating in Aundh and Baner, citing encroachment and traffic disruptions. The anti-encroachment squad seized vendors’ goods, including vehicles, handcarts, and refrigerators, during the raid.
According to the Aundh-Baner ward office, only nine out of 36 such markets were found to be operating legally under the Bombay Provincial Municipal Corporation (BPMC) Act.
Action Taken Against Illegal Markets
The unauthorised vegetable markets were found at Mamta Chowk, Dasra Chowk, Balewadi High Street, Aundh Ambedkar Chowk, ITI Road, Ganraj Chowk, Sus Road, Mohan Nagar, and Bhau Patil Road, among others.
During the raid, the PMC confiscated:
20 handcarts
Commercial vans
Three refrigerators
Multiple stalls and counters
Fruits and vegetables
At ITI Road, 23 makeshift tents and 60 tables were also seized.
Assistant Commissioner stated, “Most of these markets were illegally operating on roads and footpaths, causing traffic congestion. Regular action will be taken to prevent further encroachment.”
Strict Regulations for Weekly Markets
Deputy Commissioner , head of the anti-encroachment department, clarified that vegetable markets without the state agriculture department’s approval will not be permitted.
Organisers must first register with PMC before applying for market permits.
Many weekly ‘farmers’ markets’ are actually run by traders using unauthorized stalls.
Local complaints prompted action after residents reported encroachments on footpaths.
PMC has instructed ward-level and anti-encroachment officials to continue taking action against illegal markets to ensure smooth traffic flow and compliance with regulations.
