Tensions are rising in Pune as Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA Yogesh Tilekar has issued a strong ultimatum to the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), demanding urgent action against illegal encroachments across the city. Tilekar has warned that if the civic body fails to clear these encroachments promptly, he and his supporters will launch public protests, escalating the ongoing unrest over urban management and civic order.
Illegal encroachments have long been a contentious issue in Pune, with unauthorized structures, hawkers, and vendors occupying footpaths, roadsides, and public spaces. Residents and commuters have repeatedly complained about blocked pavements, traffic congestion, and deteriorating cleanliness, but many feel that the PMC’s enforcement has been inconsistent and inadequate.
Recent surveys indicate that several key areas, including market zones, residential neighborhoods, and arterial roads are plagued by rampant encroachment, leading to daily inconvenience and safety hazards for citizens.
In a press conference held on Wednesday, MLA Yogesh Tilekar voiced the growing frustration of Pune’s citizens. He accused the PMC of turning a blind eye to the issue and failing to uphold its responsibility to maintain public order and urban hygiene.
Tilekar stated, “The people of Pune are fed up with the unchecked encroachments that make their daily lives difficult. If the PMC does not take immediate and effective action to clear these illegal structures, we will have no choice but to take to the streets in protest. Civic officials must be held accountable.”
He further emphasized that the issue is not just about inconvenience, but about the rule of law and the city’s long-term development.
The unrest has sparked widespread debate on social media and in local forums. Many citizens have expressed support for Tilekar’s tough stance, while others worry about the potential disruption that protests could cause. Business owners and street vendors, on the other hand, fear loss of livelihood and are calling for a balanced approach that considers their needs while restoring civic order.
Urban planners and civic experts argue that sustainable solutions require not just enforcement, but also the creation of designated vending zones, better urban design, and inclusive policies that address the root causes of encroachment.