Pune News: PMC faces backlash after demolishing alleged illegal construction in Wanowrie

Pune: After being criticized over the demolition of alleged illegal construction in the  Wanowrie Gaothan area, civic officials on Friday, February 23 said that action was taken after a complaint was received. On 22 February, officials from Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) demolished an allegedly illegal construction made by Rakesh Ishwardatta Pande and his family at city survey number 773 in Wanowrie Gaothan. Civic officials cited that Pande had not taken proper construction permission from the civic body.

However, PMC’s move to demolish construction attracted negative reactions from the locality. Former corporator Abhijit Shivarkar said, “PMC officials demolished the construction without completing the period mentioned in the notice. In addition, after getting notice, the Pande family completely stopped further construction.” He added that PMC officials ignored illegal buildings in the same area but swiftly took action against common people.

Shramik Shevate, a senior engineer at PMC’s building construction department, refused all allegations made against him. He said, “Action has been taken after giving prior notice to the concerned party. We have received a complaint from the property owner that Pande is illegally doing construction at his place, and according to this, we have sent a notice and taken action.”

Representatives and locals united and opposed PMC’s actions, for which the officials called the police force and carried out their work under protection.