Green Belt Brawl: Pune Cracks Down on 30 Encroaching Businesses

05 Dec 2023 CW Team

Consequently, the PMC has initiated formal proceedings by issuing anti-encroachment notices to each offending establishment. These notices unequivocally state that the aforementioned structures must be removed within a stipulated timeframe. Failure to comply will result in the unavoidable demolition of these illegal constructions by the PMC.

This recent development follows a substantial anti-encroachment drive conducted by the PMC in these same areas last year. During that operation, unauthorized structures exceeding four lakh (4,00,000) square feet were demolished in a single day, impacting over sixty-eight (68) establishments, including prominent restaurants. The scope of the demolitions encompassed tin sheds, concrete structures, and kitchens illegally constructed along the front and side margins of renowned restaurants, banquet halls, and wedding venues.

Nearly two hundred (200) personnel participated in the aforementioned drive, including representatives from the police department, the building permissions department, the anti-encroachment department of the PMC, and local ward offices. However, it is deeply concerning that these encroachments have resurfaced despite the decisive actions taken last year.

The PMC reiterates its unwavering commitment to safeguarding the integrity of designated green belts within the city. These areas play a vital role in maintaining ecological balance, promoting public health, and enhancing the overall aesthetic of the urban environment. The PMC will continue to employ all necessary measures to prevent and address encroachments within these protected zones.

It has come to the attention of the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) that thirty (30) establishments, including restaurants and wedding venues, have erected unauthorized structures within the designated green belt areas bordering DP Road in Karvenagar. These actions constitute blatant violations of established green belt regulations, which explicitly prohibit construction of any commercial or residential nature within these protected zones. Consequently, the PMC has initiated formal proceedings by issuing anti-encroachment notices to each offending establishment. These notices unequivocally state that the aforementioned structures must be removed within a stipulated timeframe. Failure to comply will result in the unavoidable demolition of these illegal constructions by the PMC. This recent development follows a substantial anti-encroachment drive conducted by the PMC in these same areas last year. During that operation, unauthorized structures exceeding four lakh (4,00,000) square feet were demolished in a single day, impacting over sixty-eight (68) establishments, including prominent restaurants. The scope of the demolitions encompassed tin sheds, concrete structures, and kitchens illegally constructed along the front and side margins of renowned restaurants, banquet halls, and wedding venues. Nearly two hundred (200) personnel participated in the aforementioned drive, including representatives from the police department, the building permissions department, the anti-encroachment department of the PMC, and local ward offices. However, it is deeply concerning that these encroachments have resurfaced despite the decisive actions taken last year. The PMC reiterates its unwavering commitment to safeguarding the integrity of designated green belts within the city. These areas play a vital role in maintaining ecological balance, promoting public health, and enhancing the overall aesthetic of the urban environment. The PMC will continue to employ all necessary measures to prevent and address encroachments within these protected zones.