Pune, 19 September 2025: Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) on Thursday launched one of its biggest anti-encroachment operations of the year, clearing nearly 70,000 square feet of illegal constructions in Aundh–Baner and Dhankawadi–Sahakarnagar.
Acting on the instructions of Municipal Commissioner Naval Kishore Ram, the drive targeted unauthorized shops and sheds that were choking traffic and blocking public spaces.
Heavy afternoon rain did not deter PMC teams from demolishing 98 illegal sheds, shops, hotels and makeshift structures. Joint squads from the encroachment and building departments worked across key stretches including Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Chowk to Khadki Railway Station, Bhau Patil Road and Harris Bridge, dismantling tin roofs and seizing counters, furniture, iron grills and other materials.
In Dhankawadi–Sahakarnagar, encroachments near Katraj Chowk were removed, freeing an additional 2,500 sq. ft. and filling five trucks with confiscated goods.
This action follows earlier efforts earlier in the week, when PMC cleared 31,700 sq. ft. of footpath and roadside encroachments across major city roads. That operation removed handcarts, food stalls, gas cylinders and other unauthorized setups after repeated complaints from residents about blocked pavements and traffic chaos. Officials said these drives will continue to ensure public spaces remain accessible.
Despite these large-scale clearances, encroachments have quickly resurfaced in some areas. On Sinhagad Road, vendors in Dhayari village and Umbarya Ganpati Chowk rebuilt sheds and food stalls within a day of a demolition carried out just four days ago. Locals reported that many of the same businesses returned, raising concerns over the effectiveness of repeated drives without strict follow-up.
Residents and civic activists say that while PMC’s immediate action is commendable, the recurring nature of illegal constructions highlights the need for stronger penalties and continuous monitoring. Without sustained enforcement, they fear Pune’s roads and footpaths will remain vulnerable to fresh encroachments despite regular demolitions.
