The Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) has escalated its enforcement efforts against unauthorised constructions by demolishing a six-storey building at Survey No. 45/1/2 in Marunji.
This decisive action underscores the authority’s commitment to upholding urban planning regulations and ensuring public safety amid the city’s rapid expansion. The demolition is part of a wider crackdown targeting illegal structures and unregulated hoardings across the metropolitan region, reflecting a sustained push towards sustainable, equitable, and climate-resilient urban development. Urban sprawl in Pune has been accelerating rapidly over the past decade, driven by the city’s burgeoning IT hubs, manufacturing zones, and educational institutions. This growth has presented significant challenges for planners and regulators tasked with managing land use, infrastructure, and environmental safeguards. Unauthorized constructions — from residential buildings to commercial complexes — have proliferated, often without adherence to zoning laws, safety codes, or environmental clearances.
In this context, the recent demolition in Marunji sends a strong message about the importance of compliance with regulatory frameworks. According to senior PMRDA officials overseeing the anti-encroachment operations, the six-storey structure was constructed without proper permits and violated multiple building norms. Its location in a fast-developing corridor accentuated concerns over structural safety, traffic congestion, and potential harm to surrounding residents and infrastructure. Deputy Collector of the PMRDA’s Anti-Encroachment Department highlighted that such illegal developments not only undermine urban governance but also pose severe safety risks. “The action was necessitated by growing apprehensions regarding the unchecked proliferation of unauthorized structures, particularly in areas witnessing intense development pressure. Ensuring adherence to building regulations is vital for creating resilient and sustainable urban habitats,” the official stated.
The Marunji demolition aligns with PMRDA’s recent comprehensive survey which uncovered a total of 967 unauthorized hoardings spread across its jurisdiction, encompassing the Pune Metropolitan Region and its adjoining talukas. Hoardings, while often overlooked, play a critical role in urban aesthetics, traffic safety, and environmental sustainability. Illegally installed advertisements can cause visual pollution, obstruct traffic sightlines, and become hazards during adverse weather. Following the survey, the PMRDA has already removed 122 illegal hoardings in areas including Haveli, Bhor, Mulshi, Purandar, and Daund. The removal operations are part of an integrated urban management strategy that aims to reduce clutter, improve traffic safety, and contribute to a cleaner, greener urban environment.
Experts in urban planning emphasise that such regulatory actions are essential for transitioning Pune towards a zero net carbon and environmentally sustainable cityscape. Illegal constructions often disregard eco-friendly building norms, lack provisions for water management and green cover, and exacerbate urban heat island effects. Thus, effective regulation and enforcement not only protect public safety but also support broader climate goals. From a social equity perspective, ensuring that construction adheres to legal frameworks prevents the marginalisation of vulnerable communities that might otherwise bear the brunt of unsafe structures or degraded urban environments. Gender-neutral urban planning also benefits when public spaces and infrastructure developments follow clear, regulated paths, ensuring accessibility and safety for all citizens.
The anti-encroachment drive is a response to growing citizen concerns over the unchecked expansion of unauthorized developments in Pune’s periphery. Rapid urbanisation often outpaces governance capacities, creating grey areas exploited by developers and builders willing to bypass legalities. The PMRDA’s approach demonstrates a proactive stance that balances growth aspirations with the imperatives of sustainable urbanism. Urban analysts note that demolition actions, while necessary, are only part of the solution. Effective urban governance requires a multifaceted strategy that includes strengthening planning frameworks, digitising land records, enhancing public participation in planning processes, and ensuring speedy adjudication of violations. Equally important is the creation of affordable, legally compliant housing and commercial spaces that meet demand without compromising quality or safety.
In addition to demolition, PMRDA has reportedly stepped up awareness campaigns educating citizens and builders on the importance of following municipal and environmental norms. Officials have underscored the need for all stakeholders to contribute constructively to Pune’s urban development trajectory, emphasising cooperation over conflict. The region encompassing Marunji and surrounding talukas is critical for Pune’s future growth, acting as a buffer and transition zone between the city’s core and outlying rural areas. Sustainable development here will influence the metropolitan region’s resilience to climate change impacts, including flooding, heat stress, and resource scarcity. Hence, regulatory enforcement serves not only immediate safety interests but long-term urban sustainability goals.
While demolitions may evoke short-term disruptions and contestations, the broader urban ecosystem benefits through improved adherence to zoning, better infrastructure planning, and enhanced quality of life for residents. It is imperative that local authorities maintain transparency and fairness in these operations to build public trust and encourage voluntary compliance. Looking ahead, the PMRDA’s intensified anti-encroachment campaign, combined with infrastructure upgrades and digital governance reforms, could position Pune as a leading example of sustainable metropolitan management in India. By mitigating illegal constructions and unregulated urban clutter, the authority is paving the way for cleaner, safer, and more equitable urban spaces — key pillars of resilient city-building.
As Pune continues its rapid urban transformation, the lessons from the Marunji demolition will resonate with policymakers, urban planners, and citizens alike. Collaborative efforts between government agencies, civil society, and private sector actors remain vital to translating regulatory intent into meaningful urban realities that respect ecological limits and social equity.
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