Pune, 6th November 2025: The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has issued a new policy to regulate the demolition of old buildings and homes ahead of redevelopment. This step is taken due to multiple complaints from residents regarding dust, noise, unmanaged debris, traffic disruption and safety concerns during demolition work.
In many areas, especially central Pune and suburbs, old buildings and bungalows are being demolished to make way for high-rise projects. Citizens have claimed that such work is carried out carelessly, often without basic precautions, leaving them worried about safety and pollution.
Concerns were also raised that some demolition activities are linked to people with political backing and criminal backgrounds, leaving residents feeling threatened.
Following a complaint submitted in July by Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) general secretary Hemant Sambus, PMC’s Building Department prepared guidelines. PMC Commissioner Nawal Kishore Ram has recently approved the new policy.
Sambus said the absence of rules had allowed unrestricted demolition despite residents reporting inconvenience. He demanded that the new regulations must be strictly implemented under the Commissioner’s supervision.
Under the new policy, builders must ensure full-time security at the demolition site and install barricades about 25 feet high along the boundary. If demolition poses a threat to neighbouring buildings, they must be temporarily vacated. Water spraying and sprinkler systems are mandatory to control dust.
Written intimation must be given to nearby societies, police and the fire department before the demolition begins. Debris must be transported safely and covered with green cloth. Photographs of the demolition must be submitted to PMC.
A structural engineer must certify that the work is technically safe and complete. Only after this clearance will permission be granted to construct a new building at the site.
The PMC believes these norms will ensure safe, transparent demolition and reduce disturbance to the public.
