Pune, 12 November 2025: A massive demolition drive was carried out on Monday (November 11) around the Khadakwasla Dam, targeting large-scale illegal constructions on land belonging to the Irrigation Department.
The operation focused on the dam’s catchment area, clearing encroachments spread across nearly 20,000 to 25,000 square feet. These included unauthorized stalls, sheds, resorts, and religious structures that had mushroomed over the years.
The action was led by Deputy Engineer Mohan Bhadane and Branch Engineer Girija Kalyankar-Futane, with support from teams of the Pune Municipal Corporation, the Revenue Department, and the Water Resources Department.
Police personnel from Nanded City and Haveli stations maintained security under the guidance of Senior Police Inspector Atul Bhos. The operation began at 8 a.m. and continued till evening, using JCBs and dumpers to clear structures in the Khadakwasla, DIAT, and Ghonhe Budruk areas.
The drive also covered a resort reportedly linked to a political figure, where illegal riverside construction was demolished. Officials said that prior notices had been served to all encroachers last week, and the action was carried out after due warning. The department had received repeated complaints about encroachments affecting the dam’s water safety zone.
As the demolition began, several local political representatives and aspiring candidates from Ward 33 tried to intervene, requesting officials to stop the drive. They argued that the vendors had been doing business in the area for over 40 years.
However, Branch Engineer Kalyankar-Futane firmly told them she would only stop if written orders were given, standing her ground despite mounting pressure. Her firm stand led to the crowd dispersing, and many vendors voluntarily began removing their stalls.
For years, action against encroachments in the Khadakwasla Dam area had been delayed due to political pressure. However, the issue has now reached higher authorities. The government has issued show-cause notices to Superintendent Engineer Prithviraj Phalke, Executive Engineer Shweta Kunhade, and Deputy Engineer Mohan Bhadane for earlier negligence in removing illegal structures from government land.
Officials reportedly failed to give satisfactory explanations for the delay, often shifting responsibility among themselves. The Water Resources Department has warned that if the responses remain unsatisfactory, suspension and departmental inquiries will follow.
Authorities have also indicated that further strict action will be taken against other illegal constructions in the Khadakwasla region in the coming weeks.
