The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) vacated the chaupati on Thursday, that had sprung up on Junglee Maharaj (J M) Road near the Junglee Maharaj Temple. The chaupati, known as J M Corner, had developed on the site of an old petrol pump, attracting numerous hotels and snack centres over time.
The action followed a recent Bombay High Court ruling that lifted a stay on the removal of encroachments along the river in Karvenagar. Capitalising on this legal clearance, the PMC executed a special drive to demolish illegal structures. The operation saw the removal of encroachments from a 3,400-square-foot plot, involving the use of a JCB, two gas cutters, and several workers. According to a PMC engineer, action was taken against 20 establishments.
“The civic body had issued notices to these operators two weeks ago, but since they failed to vacate, the PMC undertook the drive,” explained a PMC official. “The PMC had previously taken action against this chaupati, but it resumed operations. Hence, we initiated this crackdown once more.” This cycle of enforcement and re-emergence has led to scepticism among local residents. A college student residing in a nearby hostel remarked, “I used to frequent this chaupati, but I doubt this action will be effective. The chaupati will likely return as the operators and PMC officials appear to be in collusion. Previous actions have resulted in temporary disruptions, but business resumed shortly thereafter.”
According to a hotel operator, speaking on condition said, “We were operating within the premises and not encroaching on the road. There are many hawkers on J M Road who obstruct traffic, but the PMC does not take action against them.” The PMC’s effort to clear J M Corner is part of a broader initiative to tackle urban encroachments. However, the persistence of such structures points to a deeper issue of enforcement and compliance. While the latest demolition drive underscores the PMC’s commitment to upholding urban regulations, the recurring nature of these encroachments raises questions about the efficacy and sustainability of such actions.
As the PMC continues its efforts, it remains to be seen whether this latest crackdown will have a lasting impact or if J M Corner will once again emerge, highlighting the complex dynamics between urban development, regulation, and enforcement in Pune
