Pune: The town of Chakan is divided over the issue of road construction and encroachment removal. While some residents argue that encroachments should remain untouched but roads need to be built, others insist that all encroachments must be removed to facilitate road construction.

Another section of the population believes that merely filling potholes would suffice, and encroachments should be left as they are.

The industrial estate in Chakan, Khed, has led to a significant increase in traffic over the past two decades. The IRB road company’s highway project has further exacerbated the situation, with the resultant encroachments narrowing the roads.

The Pune-Nashik highway and routes like Chakan-Talegaon, Chakan-Shikrapur, and Chakan-Ambethan are heavily encroached upon.

Some locals have turned encroachments into a profitable business, earning millions by setting up tin sheds and charging street vendors daily fees to operate in front of their shops.

This has led to severe traffic congestion, particularly at spots like Chimboli Phata, Moi Phata, Barge Vasti Phata, Kuruli Phata, Alandi Phata, Bangla Vasti Phata, Mutkewadi Phata, Talegaon Chowk, Ambethan, and Savata Mali Chowk.

Residents have differing opinions, with some advocating for the removal of all encroachments to ensure clear roads, while others oppose it due to the financial impact.

They argue that removing encroachments would not address the traffic issue and suggest removing rickshaws, illegal vehicles, and street vendors instead.

Local autorickshaws need designated parking areas, and a system should be established to regulate them. Street vendors also need to be controlled to prevent random setups on the roads.

The encroachment business is lucrative for some, who charge daily fees to handcart vendors, making significant money from this practice.

Ordinary people, workers, students, and farmers demand a uniform removal of encroachments, insisting on equal justice for all, regardless of pressure from influential parties.