Pune, 11th July 2025: In a decisive action to reclaim public space and tackle illegal encroachments, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) conducted a major anti-encroachment drive at Sarasbaug Chowpatty on Thursday. As many as 54 unauthorized sheds were demolished and seven truckloads of illegally placed items, including food counters, chairs, and tables, were confiscated.
The crackdown came after growing public frustration over the congestion and disorder caused by unlicensed vendors and stalls in the popular public area. Citizens had submitted multiple complaints to the civic authorities, prompting the PMC to launch a full-scale clean-up operation.
The encroachments, according to civic officials, extended well beyond the boundaries of any official permissions. “These structures were unauthorized and had become a serious inconvenience for both pedestrians and visitors. Clearing them was essential to maintain public order,” an official said.
The drive was conducted under the directives of the Municipal Commissioner and executed by the Kasba-Vishrambaugwada regional office. The operation was led on ground by the Assistant Commissioner of the ward and closely supervised by Deputy Commissioners Sandeep Khalate from the Encroachment Department and Sunil Ballal from Zone 5.
Several key civic personnel played active roles during the action, including Umesh Narule, Zonal Encroachment Officer for Zones 3 and 5, and Shrikrishna Sonar, Regional Encroachment Inspector. Assistant Inspectors Rajesh Khude, Bhimaji Shinde, and Shashikant Tak were also part of the enforcement team.
To support the massive operation, the PMC deployed three JCB machines, a gas cutter, 20 jawans from the Maharashtra Security Force (MSF), five police personnel, and ground staff from Zones 3 and 5. The PMC has stated that similar actions may continue in other congested parts of the city if unauthorized structures persist.