In a decisive move to curb illegal constructions, authorities in Pimpri Chinchwad near Pune launched a major demolition drive on Saturday, targeting 36 unauthorised bungalows built within the blue flood line of the Indrayani River in Chikhali. The action, initiated under Supreme Court directions, began early in the morning around 5:30 am amid tight police security.
The Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) deployed 10 earth movers to carry out the operation, despite opposition from local leaders of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The town, known for frequent illegal constructions, witnessed what officials called an “unprecedented” action against the riverfront properties.
The Supreme Court had on May 5 upheld a National Green Tribunal (NGT) ruling directing the demolition of these structures. It dismissed an appeal filed by a developer seeking a stay, paving the way for the municipal authorities to move forward. Efforts by the homeowners to obtain an interim stay from the Bombay High Court on Friday also failed.
PCMC Commissioner Shekhar Singh confirmed that the demolitions are being conducted in strict compliance with court orders. “The work is being done before the monsoon, as demolition activity is not permitted once the rainy season begins on June 1,” he explained.
The bungalows, built between the late 1990s and 2020, were constructed in a zone marked as a high-risk flood-prone area. Despite this, residents claimed they were misled by the developer, who allegedly marketed the plots as part of a legal residential zone.
Residents also pointed out that PCMC had provided them with water and electricity connections, raising questions about the authorities’ inaction during the construction phase. “We have invested our life savings in these homes. If the construction was illegal, the authorities should have stopped it earlier,” said one affected homeowner.
Advocates Yogendra Kumar and Arun Longani, representing the bungalow owners, stated that while the High Court allowed an urgent hearing, it denied a stay. “Our petition is still pending and is listed for hearing on June 9,” said Kumar, adding that the case hinges on the legality of the construction and zoning clarity.
In July 2024, the NGT had directed the PCMC to demolish illegal structures within the flood line in six months and recover ₹5 crore as environmental compensation from the property owners. Though the Supreme Court had initially stayed the order, it later upheld the ruling in full.
Meanwhile, some residents submitted undertakings to the PCMC, agreeing to either voluntarily demolish the structures or vacate the premises if new flood line mapping reconfirmed the illegal status of their homes.
As the demolition drive continues, the case has sparked renewed debate on urban planning enforcement, civic accountability, and the responsibilities of developers and authorities in informing and protecting homebuyers.
Sources By Agencies
