On Wednesday, the civic body conducted a demolition drive, resulting in the destruction of at least 18 illegal constructions covering an area of 78,000 square feet in the Lohegaon and Nagar Road regions. The demolished structures comprised both concrete buildings and tin sheds, targeting a mix of residential and commercial properties.
According to a statement from officials of the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), action was also taken against the well-known Rameshwaram Cafe located in Vimannagar. When the Times of India attempted to reach the cafe, the phone of the management representative was turned off.
PMC officials indicated that the demolition initiative against illegal constructions on various properties in these areas was executed in accordance with the Unified Development Control and Promotion Regulations (UDCPR), which operates alongside the Maharashtra Regional and Town Planning (MRTP) Act of 1966. Generally, when there is a breach of building permission regulations, authorities issue a notice under section 53 of the MRTP Act, instructing the owner to either remove or regularize the unauthorized construction within a designated timeframe.
Additionally, a notice under section 267 of the MRTP Act was issued to certain establishments in this context. The PMC issued notices to the owners of these properties, instructing them to demolish the illegal constructions; however, they failed to comply, resulting in enforcement action. “The civic body will persist with the drive,” stated Somnath Bankar, head of the PMC’s anti-encroachment department. Civic officials informed the Times of India that the PMC took action against structures located in the side and front margins of these properties.
