The Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) has intensified its efforts to clear illegal encroachments within the Chikhali-Kudalwadi area, completing extensive demolitions over the past few days. Within just three days, the municipality destroyed 682 unauthorized structures, clearing approximately 33.58 lakh square feet of land reserved for future city development and public amenities.
This anti-encroachment drive stems from the growing crisis of illegal constructions, which has hindered planned urban expansion. According to PCMC officials, the initiative saw 1,511 illegal structures demolished, including various unauthorized sheds, factories, warehouses, and scrap shops.
The demolition drive is being led by Municipal Commissioner Shekhar Singh and Police Commissioner Vinaykumar Chaube, with direct management by the Building Permission and Unauthorized Construction Control Department. The operations have involved significant coordination among several key municipal figures, including Additional Municipal Commissioner Pradeep Jambhale Patil and Deputy Commissioner Manoj Lonkar.
Security has been strengthened throughout the area to maintain order during the operations. Approximately 600 police officers, alongside 180 personnel from the Maharashtra Security Force and additional support staff, have been deployed. Notably, the operation has utilized heavy machinery, with 16 excavators, 8 JCBs, 1 crane, and 4 cutters assisting in the swift dismantling of structures. Emergency services, including firefighting vehicles and ambulances, were also on standby.
The demolition efforts come after prior notices were issued last year to owners of more than 4,300 illegal structures, warning them of impending action. The municipality emphasized the need for these measures to reclaim land for its intended developments and public use. Officials reiterated their commitment to seeing this operation through, reflecting the broader trend of stringent anti-encroachment measures noticed across various parts of India.
On the second day of the demolition, around 607 illegal constructions had already been dismantled, including significant spans of land over 1.8 million square feet. The continuous operation is expected to yield more results, as destructive measures come after initial deadlines for removal were communicated to local business owners.
Additional Commissioner Jambhale Patil stated, “Factories, unauthorized sheds, warehouses, and scrap shops on reserved land have been demolished, and this action will continue for some time. The people with materials or machinery are requested to remove them at the earliest and cooperate with the officials.”
Throughout the demolition, officials have been careful to avoid harming any individuals or animals, managing to rescue 50 cats left behind by their owners. Officials noted they would remain vigilant to avoid any unnecessary distress during the operation.
This large-scale crackdown on illegal constructions is expected to persist as the PCMC continues its efforts to recuperate areas of urban land designated for useful development. With the support of local law enforcement and municipal resources, the authority is signaling its commitment to restoring order and planning for future expansion within Pimpri Chinchwad.