Pune: The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) conducted an encroachment clearance operation in Viman Nagar, where several commercial establishments, including Rameshwaram cafe, were demolished along the footpath.
The PMC demolished at least 18 illegal constructions, spread over an area of 78,000 sq ft, in Pune’s Lohegaon and Nagar Road areas. The demolished structures included concrete structures and tin sheds.
The operation was also conducted near Neco Garden, Sambar Hotel Lane, Krishna Hotel Chowk and Ganapati Mandir Chowk. Heavy machinery was deployed to demolish the unauthorised portions, and police personnel were present to maintain law and order during the operation.
According to a statement issued by Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) officials, eviction action has also been taken against the popular Rameshwaram Cafe in Vimannagar. The corporation has removed the encroachment made by Rameshwaram Cafe on the footpath in front of its hotel using a JCB.
The demolition drive against illegal constructions in various properties in these areas has been carried out in accordance with the provisions of the Unified Development Control and Promotion Rules (UDCPR) operating in conjunction with the Maharashtra Regional and Town Planning (MRTP) Act, 1966, PMC officials said.
Generally, when there is a violation of building permit rules, the authorities issue notices under Section 53 of the MRTP Act. They direct the owners to remove or regularize the unauthorized construction within a specified period.
In this regard, some establishments have been issued notices under Section 267 of the MRTP Act. “The PMC has issued notices to the owners of these properties. They were asked to demolish the illegal constructions. But the eviction action has been taken as they have not responded to the notices.”
The civic body will continue the operation, said Somnath Bunkar, head of the anti-encroachment wing of the PMC. The PMC has taken action against the structures on the side and front edges of these properties, civic officials said.