Pune: The forest department has dismantled an illegal pigeon breeding and selling operation near the foothills of Chatuhshrungi Hill in Vaiduwadi and Ashanagar area. Several unauthorized tin sheds had been erected in the reserved forest area to facilitate the business.

In response to complaints from local residents, the forest department officials, acting promptly visited the site on Tuesday and removed the sheds following the complaints of encroachment.

Forest Range Officer Pradeep Sankpal commented on the operation, stating, "Upon discovering the encroachment, we immediately took action to remove it. We advise citizens not to encroach on reserved forest land, as legal action will be taken against any violations."

Additionally, it was noted that a religious structure and an unauthorized tin shed had been constructed on Chatuhshrungi Hill a few years ago. The forest department clarified that the religious structure encroachment fell within the jurisdiction of the municipal corporation.

Assistant Commissioner Vijay Hawaldar of the Shivajinagar Ghole Road area stated, "We will conduct an inspection of the site. If any encroachment is found, it will be removed promptly."