PMRDA Begins Second Phase of Anti-Encroachment Drive Today
The Pune Metropolitan Development Authority (PMRDA) has announced the commencement of the second phase of its ambitious anti-encroachment drive, set to run from March 17 to March 30. This phase comes after the successful removal of over 2,500 illegal structures in the first phase, which took place from March 3 to 13. The initial phase saw more than 2.5 lakh square feet of encroached land cleared along a stretch of 83 kilometres of major highways and roads in the Pune metropolitan region.The ongoing second phase will expand the focus to additional encroachments across key roads and highways, particularly those causing severe traffic congestion in the city.
These roads include stretches on the Pune-Nashik, Pune-Solapur, Pune-Mumbai, and Pune-Satara highways, which are within the PMRDA limits. Encroachments on these roads have long been a point of concern, with growing complaints from citizens regarding the narrowing of roads and the obstruction of traffic flow.The second phase will particularly target high-traffic areas such as the Navle Bridge to Sarole section on the Pune-Satara Highway, Shevalwadi in Hadapsar to Dive Ghat, as well as key routes like Navlakh Umbre to Chakan and the Hinjewadi area.
Other regions affected by encroachments include the Talegaon-Chakan-Shikrapur road. In a significant development, this phase will be a joint operation with the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) and Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC), covering areas that fall within their jurisdiction as well.The PMRDA has emphasized that this drive aims not only to clear illegal structures but also to ensure smoother traffic movement for the benefit of commuters. Officials have urged residents and business owners within the PMC, PCMC, and PMRDA limits to cooperate and remove any encroachments voluntarily. Failure to do so may lead to the demolition of structures by the authorities.
This initiative is part of a broader effort to address urban congestion and improve the overall infrastructure of the city, which has seen rapid growth in recent years. The PMRDA has collaborated with multiple agencies, including the Public Works Department (PWD), National Highway Authority of India (NHAI), Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRDC), and the police, to ensure the smooth execution of the drive.
While the drive has received support from residents who are frustrated with the traffic bottlenecks caused by illegal encroachments, it has also sparked concerns from those affected by the demolitions. Nevertheless, the PMRDA remains committed to its mission of ensuring clear, open, and safe roads for all.
