Pune: Officials of Pune Metropolitan Regional Development Authority (PMRDA) have decided to keep a watch on illegal constructions in PMRDA zone through satellite images. 

PMRDA officials said taking action against illegal construction is a daily routine task and PMRDA has razed more than 100 such illegal constructions.  However considering the sheer number of properties and establishments falling in the zone of ‘illegal’ construction, the authority is now forced to rely on satellite images for keeping a watch. 

Officials said while the authority has augmented its manpower to take action against illegal sites and encroachments, it continues to suffer from lack of manpower. It is difficult for the authority to place inspectors in each area to stop illegal construction work. The PMRDA area spans over 7,000 sq km. 

On a timely basis, PMRDA has issued notices to illegal construction and have appealed to people to regularise illegal constructions by paying a nominal fine. Officials said such constructions violate the zonal construction norms and are cheating citizens. PMRDA Commissioner Vikram Kumar said they have started using satellite images to keep tabS on illegal construction sites.