Pune: PMC Shuts Down 27 Unauthorised Weekly Vegetable Markets in Aundh & Baner

In a major crackdown, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has raided and closed 27 unauthorised weekly vegetable markets operating in Aundh and Baner. The anti-encroachment squad confiscated vendors’ goods, including vehicles, during the raid. According to the Aundh-Baner ward office, only nine out of 36 such markets were found to be operating in compliance with the rules under the Bombay Provincial Municipal Corporation (BPMC) Act.

The unauthorised markets were located at Mamta Chowk, Dasra Chowk, Balewadi High Street, Aundh Ambedkar Chowk, ITI Road, Ganraj Chowk, Sus Road, Mohan Nagar, and Bhau Patil Road, among others. During the raids, PMC seized fruits, vegetables, 20 handcarts, commercial vans, three refrigerators, counters, and other materials. At ITI Road alone, 23 cloth tents, 60 tables, and additional materials were confiscated.

Assistant Commissioner Girish Dapkekar stated, “Our survey revealed that most of these markets were operating illegally on roads and footpaths, causing traffic jams and inconvenience to citizens. Such actions will continue to ensure hawkers do not encroach upon public spaces.”

Deputy Commissioner Madhav Jagtap, who heads the anti-encroachment department, emphasized that markets operating without approval from the state agriculture department will not be allowed. Organisers must first register with the PMC before applying for permission to operate in any area. He added, “Most weekly markets are unauthorised and organised on footpaths, leading to complaints from residents. Immediate action is being taken to address this issue.”

To address the issue, the PMC, in collaboration with the Agriculture Marketing Board, Pune, will identify suitable vacant plots owned by the municipal corporation for organising authorised weekly farmers’ markets. A formal proposal will be submitted to the PMC for approval.