Tejas Navale

Pune: In a decisive move, the construction department of the Municipal Corporation dismantled illegal structures on Plot No. 405 of Sangamwadi T. P. Scheme, Lane No. 7, Koregaon Park, reclaiming over 50,000 square feet of encroached land. This action followed the lifting of a court stay that had been in place due to a claim filed by local businessmen.

Among the demolished structures were Hotel Chul Matan, Hotel Barbanka Cafe Kitchen, Palmoko Dine, Drink, Dance, Pooja Fruit and Vegetable, Lazy Chicken Centre, Muscle Bar Gym, and several cricket turf sheds. These establishments had been operating without municipal permission for partial construction and sheds. The municipal corporation had previously issued notices to the businesses, which were then challenged in court, resulting in a temporary stay order.

With the court's recent decision to lift the stay, the Municipal Corporation swiftly mobilised its resources. Early in the morning, a team equipped with JCBs, jaw cutters, and a significant workforce arrived at Koregaon Park to execute the demolition. Despite attempts by the businessmen to create confusion, the municipal employees, under police protection, successfully demolished the unauthorised structures and sheds.

Local citizens expressed their relief and happiness over the removal of these encroachments, which had been a source of inconvenience for several years. The presence of these illegal establishments had caused traffic congestion, as customers often parked their vehicles on the road due to inadequate parking space. Additionally, these businesses lacked the necessary fire brigade permissions, posing a potential safety hazard.

The action by the Municipal Corporation was well-received by the residents, who have long suffered due to the illegal construction. They also expressed hope that the administration would continue to monitor and prevent future encroachments to maintain order and safety in the area.

The operation faced a brief delay when the Koregaon Park Police hesitated to provide immediate security. However, Municipal Commissioner Dr. Rajendra Bhosle intervened by contacting senior police officers, ensuring the necessary arrangements were made.