Pune: Faced with growing criticism over encroachments and poor sanitation, Pune Municipal Commissioner Dr. Rajendra Bhosale has issued a stern directive to officials to tackle these issues with urgency. During a two-and-a-half-hour meeting on Saturday (January 11) , Dr. Bhosale reviewed the state of encroachments and cleanliness across the city, emphasizing accountability and action.

Dr. Bhosale instructed assistant commissioners from ward offices to actively monitor and address encroachments and sanitation concerns by:

• Conducting daily inspections of roads and public areas.

• Obtaining daily reports from encroachment inspectors.

• Addressing immediate issues such as potholes, broken chambers, overhanging tree branches, and electrical hazards.

The PMC Commissioner also mandated that weekly reports be submitted directly to his office. Any discrepancies between the reports and the actual ground situation will result in strict action against responsible officials.

The authority to act against encroachments has been granted to divisional deputy commissioners. Teams comprising engineers from the construction and roads departments, along with encroachment department staff, will carry out consistent enforcement drives.

“Deputy commissioners must ensure effective and impactful action in their jurisdictions. Weekly reports on encroachment and sanitation work will be reviewed, and lapses will be addressed,” said Dr. Bhosale.

Intensified Campaign Against Encroachments

The commissioner announced a robust citywide campaign to remove encroachments. Assistant commissioners were instructed to oversee sanitation work meticulously and ensure a clean and obstruction-free city environment.

“The main anti-encroachment department will operate under my direct supervision. I will conduct surprise inspections and ensure timely action by the teams,” said Dr. Bhosale.