Wakad: Massive Drive to Clear Encroachments for 45-Meter Datta Mandir Road Widening Gains Momentum After Years of Delay
Pimpri Chinchwad: Due to the collective effort and pressure exerted by housing societies in the Wakad area, the administration has initiated the removal of encroachments that were obstructing the widening of the 45-meter Datta Mandir road. The encroachments on both sides of the road, which had been a significant hindrance, are now being cleared.
As per the Datta Mandir Road Development Plan, the road was supposed to be 45 meters wide. However, in many places, it was reduced to 20–30 meters due to encroachments, including a slum area that significantly narrowed the road. This stretch is a major route for vehicles traveling toward Hinjewadi, resulting in frequent traffic congestion. Footpaths were also encroached upon by temporary sheds and stalls. Some property owners’ refusal to hand over their land had further delayed the road’s development, leaving it in a poor state.
For the past five to six years, housing societies have been raising their voices against these issues.
The operation was led by Assistant Commissioner Shrikant Kolpe and involved around 60 police officers and personnel, 200 municipal staff, as well as heavy machinery like excavators and JCBs. Approximately 100 encroachments, including tin sheds and permanent structures, were identified. In today’s action, 40 tin sheds and two permanent buildings were demolished. Property owners had been served notices over the past six months and advised to voluntarily remove their encroachments, but after repeated warnings, the administration proceeded with the demolition.
