Pune: SC Dismisses Review Plea, PCMC To Demolish 34 Illegal Bungalows in Chikhali’s Blue Flood Line Zone

Pimpri-Chinchwad, Maharashtra – The Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) is set to demolish 34 illegal bungalows in Chikhli, located within the blue flood line of the Indrayani River, following the Supreme Court’s dismissal of a review petition filed by 29 residents.

The court order, issued on May 9, effectively paves the way for the civic body to execute the long-delayed demolition drive. The decision marks the culmination of a legal battle that started after the National Green Tribunal (NGT) directed the removal of these encroachments on July 2, 2024.

Demolition Timeline to Be Finalized Soon: 

According to a report in Indian Express, PCMC city engineer Makrand Nikam confirmed receipt of the Supreme Court’s order. “We will now finalize the demolition date in consultation with the police, as security support will be required,” he said.

PCMC had initially planned to raze the illegal structures last year, but the review petition had put the civic action on hold. “There are 34 illegal constructions in total, and while 29 residents moved the court, action will be taken against all,” Nikam added.

Residents Demand Re-survey of Blue Flood Line

Despite the SC verdict, affected homeowners continue to call for a fresh survey of the blue flood line. Mahesh Patil, a resident and petitioner, argued, “The Maharashtra Water Resources Ministry had directed a re-survey, but PCMC is refusing. Even the civic body’s own sewage treatment plant (STP) falls within the current flood line boundary. Why are only we being targeted?”

Responding to these claims, Nikam said, “We met with Water Resources Department officials, and they confirmed that the current blue flood line markings available on their website are final. As per norms, STPs can be constructed in these zones.”

NGT Had Imposed ₹5 Crore Penalty on Property Owners

In addition to the demolition order, the NGT had imposed a ₹5 crore environmental compensation on the builders and property owners. “The builder, VSquare, is liable to pay the fine. If they refuse, we will pursue legal action,” Patil noted.

The residential project, River Villa, was developed in 2021 by VSquare and comprises homes built on plots ranging from one to two gunthas. Most of the homeowners belong to middle and lower-middle-class families, many of whom had invested their life savings into these homes.

Hope Remains Amid Demolition Threat

Patil remains hopeful that a re-survey could still offer relief. “The Supreme Court has allowed a six-month window. If the re-survey still deems our homes illegal, we are willing to take them down ourselves. But we believe a few structures could be saved.”

As of now, PCMC is moving ahead with preparations, while residents face uncertainty over the fate of their dream homes.