Pune Municipal Corporation intensifies action against encroachments

PUNE: The civic body has intensified action against illegal constructions and encroachments across the city since the first week of August.
Nearly 200 hawkers were removed and 100 stalls demolished during a recent drive carried out on Satara Road, Deccan, Lohegaon and Ahmednagar Road. The anti-encroachment staff initiated action against roadside food joints and other establishments which were operating without permits. The action was also taken as a precautionary measure to contain the spread of Covid-19.
A Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) official said that several stalls had been put up without proper permission. In some cases, additional floor space index or transfer of development rights had been consumed illegally. Apart from permanent structures, even temporary structures were demolished.
The official said non-availability of labourers was one of the major obstacles in carrying out action against illegal constructions during lockdown.
“We have set up flying squads in 15 ward offices. Around 300 people, including civic staff and contractual workers, have been pressed into service for the drive,” said Madhav Jagtap, head, PMC’s anti-encroachment department.