Pune: In a move to tackle increasing traffic congestion, the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) has scheduled an anti-encroachment drive targeting unauthorized constructions along national and state highways surrounding Pune. The action will begin on March 3 and will continue for the next 30 days, with officials aiming to clear both sides of the roads to ensure smooth traffic flow.
With Pune's traffic situation worsening due to illegal structures and unauthorized shops along highways, a joint meeting of officials from multiple departments was held under the chairmanship of PMRDA Metropolitan Commissioner Dr. Yogesh Mhase. In the meeting, it was decided that all departments would coordinate to remove encroachments within the next month.
As per the plan, a comprehensive drive will be conducted to demolish unauthorized shops, stalls, temporary constructions, and other encroachments on both sides of highways. The authorities have also decided that such operations will be carried out twice a year to prevent future encroachments. Dr. Yogesh Mhase emphasized that all citizens should obtain proper permissions before constructing any structures.
Senior Officials to Oversee Implementation
The meeting was attended by senior officials, including:
Manoj Patil – Additional Police Commissioner
Deepti Suryavanshi-Patil – Joint Commissioner
Asha Jadhav – Superintendent of Land Records
Sanjay Kadam – NHAI Project Director
Makarand Nikam – PCMC City Engineer
Bapu Bangar – Deputy Commissioner of Traffic
Nandini Vagyani – Pune Assistant Police Commissioner
Along with other key officials from the Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad municipal corporations, the Public Works Department (PWD), Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC), and the police department.