PUNE: The PCMC on Tuesday began a drive against constructions in blue floodline areas across the twin cities, amid opposition by local residents and politicians.
A senior Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) official confirmed to TOI that at least 27 constructions were demolished on the first day of the drive on Tuesday, as they were found inside the blue line zones of the Pavana, Mula and Indrayani rivers.
The civic body, during its ongoing survey, has identified a total of 2,534 structures in the blue line zones across areas. This includes 1,392 residential structures, 1,118 commercial ones, and 24 others (like tin sheds or under-construction establishments). The civic body has already issued notices to the owners of 1,092 structures.
Manoj Lonkar, PCMC deputy municipal commissioner and head of the anti-encroachment department, told TOI, “We started the drive from Tuesday onwards in areas along all three rivers passing through city limits — the Pavana, Indrayani, and Mula rivers. Initially, we have started taking action against commercial structures as residential ones cannot be demolished during the monsoon as per high court guidelines.” He added that the drive will continue and unauthorised residential structures in blue line areas will also face action once the monsoon is over.
Civic officials demolished constructions on around 37,900 sq ft on Tuesday. A senior PCMC official said, “A majority were tin sheds as many residents chose not to build permanent structures, knowing that they could face action. Action was initiated in areas like Moshi along the Indrayani river, Kalewadi along the Pavana, and Wakad on the Mula river.”
The action comes just days after affected residents formed a group to oppose the civic body’s impending drive. The citizens also warned of voting against sitting MLAs, prompting several politicians to come forward to support their demand.
Lok Sabha MP from Maval, Shrirang Barne, on Tuesday wrote to the PCMC commissioner, stating that he will oppose the drive and support citizens. “There are around two lakh houses in the blue floodline areas across Pimpri Chinchwad and we will not let them be demolished by PCMC. The administration turned a blind eye when these constructions were coming up and now, the poor people are suffering. The municipal body should explain what action they have taken against its own officials first for ignoring the situation when these constructions came up,” Barne said.
