Pune: Residents Demand Anti-Encroachment Drive As Mango Vendors Occupy Roads and Footpaths Near Raheja Circle At NIBM Annexe In Mohammadwadi 

Renuka Suryavanshi 

Pune, June 13, 2026: Seasonal mango vendors occupying large portions of road margins and footpaths around S.M. Ghule Circle (Raheja Chowk) have triggered fresh concerns among residents of Mohammadwadi and NIBM Annexe, who allege that unchecked encroachments are endangering pedestrians and worsening traffic congestion in the area.

Residents claim that mango stalls, hawkers, temporary sheds and other unauthorized occupations have steadily expanded across public spaces, leaving little room for pedestrians and forcing many to walk on busy roads.

S.M. Ghule Circle has emerged as a major flashpoint, with citizens alleging that seasonal fruit vendors have occupied significant stretches of footpaths and road creating bottlenecks for vehicles and obstructing visibility at the busy junction.

“The footpaths have virtually vanished at several locations. Senior citizens, women and children are being pushed onto the carriageway because public spaces meant for pedestrians are being taken over,” said resident Sarika Sharma.

Citizens have accused the Pune Municipal Corporation’s Anti-Encroachment Department of failing to take sustained action despite repeated complaints. They have demanded an immediate survey and enforcement drive covering the stretch from Anandvan Gate to Lavanya Hotel Chowk and from Raheja Circle to Pristine Viva, where they allege numerous illegal sheds, commercial extensions and roadside encroachments have emerged over time.

Atul Deshpande said authorities cannot afford selective enforcement. “Small encroachments are ignored until they become permanent structures. Public roads and footpaths are being surrendered piece by piece while agencies look the other way,” he alleged.

Residents have also sought action against alleged unauthorized extensions by hotels, restaurants and commercial establishments operating along the corridor.

The issue has revived concerns about pedestrian safety following the death of local youth Aariz Shaikh, whose fatal accident had sparked widespread discussions on road safety and the need for obstruction-free footpaths.

“Aariz Shaikh’s death should have been a wake-up call. Every encroached footpath forces pedestrians onto the road and increases the risk of another tragedy,” said Shashikant Kudale.

Echoing similar concerns, Simon D’Cruz said, “When footpaths are occupied, pedestrians have only two choices—walk on the road or stay home. Neither is acceptable in a modern city.”

Some local shopkeepers also questioned whether all roadside vendors were operating with the necessary permissions and regulatory compliances, arguing that licensed businesses bear significant taxes and operational costs while unauthorized vendors continue to occupy public land.

Residents are now demanding a joint inspection by the Pune Municipal Corporation, Traffic Police and Anti-Encroachment Department, followed by the removal of all illegal occupations and continuous monitoring to prevent encroachments from returning.

“The rule of law must prevail. Roads belong to the public and footpaths belong to pedestrians. Any occupation that compromises public safety must be removed without exception,” residents said.

Citizens have urged civic authorities to launch a sustained anti-encroachment drive across the Mohammadwadi–NIBM Annexe corridor and restore footpaths and public spaces for safe pedestrian movement.