Unauthorized Constructions Increase in PMRDA Area!

Pimpri-Chinchwad: Unauthorized constructions have increased within the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) jurisdiction. PMRDA administration is struggling to control these constructions. In addition to six cases filed against unauthorized constructions, no other action has been taken in the last two months.

Unauthorized constructions obstructing roads, footpaths, water pipelines, and railways have been exempted from action by the Supreme Court. Additionally, due to the ongoing state assembly elections, action against unauthorized constructions has been delayed.

Reference to Supreme Court Ruling

In Uttar Pradesh, in 2019, some homes were demolished with the help of bulldozers. One affected individual filed a petition in the Supreme Court against this. A hearing was held on September 17, and the Court soon announced that guiding principles would be issued, instructing authorities to refrain from taking any action until then.

However, the court clarified that the rules would not apply to those who encroach on public roads, railway tracks, lakes, and other government properties, which can be cleared. Based on this ruling, PMRDA had suspended action against unauthorized constructions. However, on November 13, the suspension order was lifted.

Reason of Assembly Elections

The model code of conduct for the state assembly elections started on October 15. Voting took place on November 20, and the vote count was held on November 23. During this period, PMRDA officers were appointed for election duties. As a result, even after the Supreme Court lifted the suspension order, PMRDA was unable to take action against unauthorized constructions.

New Unauthorized Constructions Continue

PMRDA’s jurisdiction includes over 800 villages across eight tehsils, including Daund, Bhor, Haveli, Khed, Maval, Mulshi, Shirur, and Purandar. In the last three years, more than 3,000 unauthorized constructions have been reported within PMRDA limits, according to earlier disclosed data. However, the PMRDA has not conducted any recent surveys to confirm the exact number, and officers indicate that an accurate figure is not available. Meanwhile, new unauthorized constructions continue to emerge in the area, and PMRDA administration is struggling to halt them. Furthermore, there is a shortage of manpower for enforcement actions against these constructions.

Criminal Cases Against Unauthorized Constructions

Since October, PMRDA has started filing criminal cases against unauthorized constructions. Cases have been registered against unauthorized constructions in Hingewadi and Manjari (Haveli Taluka), one in each area, and five constructions in Lonikand (Haveli Taluka), and one in Ghunje (Maval Taluka). PMRDA officials confirmed this action.