Pune, 4th July 2025: As the monsoon intensifies, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) is gearing up to forcibly evacuate 37 dangerously weak wadas across the city. Despite repeated safety warnings, residents and owners have refused to vacate, prompting the civic body to now seek police assistance to carry out the operation.
The PMC had earlier surveyed old wadas in the central peth areas and declared 116 structures unsafe. While 76 have already been demolished, 37 remain occupied. With water and electricity already disconnected at these sites, the civic body is now moving forward with plans to clear them with police support to prevent any disaster.
Municipal Commissioner Naval Kishore Ram is expected to send a formal request to the Police Commissioner, asking for protection during the evacuation drive. The proposal, submitted by the Building Department, is currently awaiting final approval. Once cleared, evacuations will begin under heavy police presence.
Officials say resistance stems from disputes over tenancy rights and lack of alternative housing. However, with collapsing buildings posing a direct threat to life, especially during rains, the PMC has no choice but to act. Many of the unsafe structures are located in congested areas like Raviwar Peth, Bhawani Peth, and Shukrawar Peth.
According to PMC data, Raviwar Peth tops the list with nine unsafe wadas, followed by five each in Bhawani, Shukrawar, and Ghorpade Peth. “The safety of citizens is our top priority. These structures are too risky to be left occupied,” said Rajesh Bankar, Superintendent Engineer, PMC. The civic body insists the move is necessary to avoid tragic incidents during the monsoon.