Pune News : Fight of Wakad residents against illegal squatters on PMRDA land continues
Wakad: The fight of residents of Rhythm Housing Society in Wakad continues even after several days of demanding immediate action from the Department of Illegal Construction (Demolition), PMRDA, against illegal huts and squatters in the open land near Kalewadi Phata. The land falls under the jurisdiction of the PMRDA and PCMC Special Planning Authority.
The residents claim that the illegal settlers have violated various laws and have built sheds and huts without proper sanitation. The waste is disposed of into streams and open pits, causing health issues for neighboring residents. The illegal settlers also breed pigs and carry out other illegal activities, which have made the area unsafe for women and children.
However, PMRDA is stating unavailability of police protection as a reason for delay in the action on illegal huts. Residents are frustrated with this approach and are urging PMRDA to take immediate action.
The situation has become a “Tragedy of commons” problem for Wakad residents. The area is gradually being converted into an area of criminal transaction and misconduct, which in a manner is being sponsored and supported by these illegal settlers.
“After 3 March, we will be initiating the action. Before that, we need police protection; therefore, we will be conducting a meeting with the Pimpri Chinchwad police, and then the action will be taken,” said Deepak Singla, Additional Commissioner, Pune Metropolitan Regional Development Authority (PMRDA).
“We complained about this to PMRDA, but no action was being taken due to the code of conduct. So we had filed the grievance with Prime Minister’s office (PMO), which was then transferred to State Mission Director of Bharat Mission. This was informed to PMRDA, and then they assured to take action after getting police protection,” said resident of Rhythm Society, Abhijit Garad.
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