Pune: Relief for Chikhali Residents as SC Halts Demolition of Homes in Blue Floodline of Indrayani River
Pune: Relief for Chikhali Residents as SC Halts Demolition of Homes in Blue Floodline of Indrayani River
The Supreme Court has stayed the National Green Tribunal’s (NGT) order to demolish 29 bungalows in Chikhali, Pune district. These bungalows were allegedly built in violation of environmental norms within the blue floodline of the Indrayani River.
The stay provides relief to residents and the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC). Both parties have until February 10 to respond.
The NGT had earlier ordered the demolition of the bungalows by December 31, citing environmental violations. It also imposed a ₹5 crore penalty on the bungalow owners for environmental damage. The case was registered with the NGT in 2020, and a demolition order was issued in July this year.
Residents argued they were unaware of the floodline restrictions when they built their homes five years ago. They claim the project did not alter the river’s course or cause any ecological harm. “We spent our hard-earned money on these homes. We had no idea about the blue line rules,” said a resident.
PCMC confirmed the Supreme Court’s stay. “We were supposed to demolish the bungalows on Saturday. The court stayed the NGT order two days ago and asked us to file our response in February,” said an official.
The Supreme Court’s temporary stay means no action will be taken until the next hearing. Both residents and PCMC must submit their responses before February 10.
The NGT’s original demolition order aimed to curb construction in no-construction zones and prevent further damage to river ecosystems. The case will now continue in the Supreme Court.
