Pune: Illegal Constructions Spread Across 18 Lakh Square Feet Demolished in Chikhali Kudalwaadi

Pune News: In a massive demolition drive, the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) has removed 222 illegal constructions in the Kudalwaadi area of Chikhali. These unauthorized structures, including tin sheds, factories, warehouses, and scrap shops, were built on reserved land and development roads. The operation cleared 1.83 million square feet of illegal encroachments.

Major Demolition Drive by PCMC

The large-scale action was carried out by PCMC’s Building Permission and Unauthorized Construction Control Department with assistance from multiple regional action teams. The demolition was conducted under the supervision of Police Commissioner Vinaykumar Choubey and Municipal Commissioner Shekhar Singh, who personally monitored the site.

Heavy Deployment for the Operation

The demolition drive spanned 42 acres and involved extensive manpower and equipment, including:

• 4 executive engineers & 16 deputy engineers from PCMC
• 180 Maharashtra Security Force personnel
• 600 police officers & laborers
• 16 poclains, 8 JCBs, 1 crane & 4 cutters
• 3 fire engines & 2 ambulances for emergency support

Officials from the police department and the electricity board were present to ensure a smooth operation. Additional Police Commissioner Vasant Pardeshi, along with Deputy Commissioners Swapna Gore, Dr. Shivaji Pawar, Bapu Bangar, Sandeep Doifode, and Vivek Patil, coordinated the security measures.

Why Was This Action Taken?

According to PCMC Commissioner Shekhar Singh, these illegal constructions were obstructing planned urban development and public amenities. The Kudalwaadi area had witnessed multiple fire incidents and severe traffic congestion due to unauthorized businesses operating without safety measures.

Some businesses were also found violating Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) norms by discharging polluted water directly into the river, causing significant environmental damage.

“Strict action was necessary to restore law and order. PCMC will continue such demolition drives against unauthorized constructions in the future,” stated Commissioner Shekhar Singh.

Additional Commissioner Pradeep Jambhale Patil emphasized the importance of public safety, stating, “While providing civic amenities, ensuring public safety is equally important. The illegal structures in Kudalwaadi posed a high fire risk, which is why action was taken.”