The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has targeted illegal food joints and eateries in Bavdhan. The demolition drive, which took place on Wednesday, saw several structures being razed for lacking the requisite permissions. A senior official from PMC’s building permissions department remarked, “Notices were issued to these establishments, as they had conducted constructions without the necessary approvals.” According to PMC data, two properties spanning 12,000 square feet were demolished during this operation.
A manager of one of the affected food joints stated, “We had applied for regularisation, and the process was underway. We requested additional time, but the demolition was still executed.” This underscores the urgency and strict enforcement stance adopted by the civic body in addressing unauthorised constructions.The current crackdown is part of a broader strategy by PMC, which intensified its actions following a reported drug party at L3 lounge on FC Road. This incident prompted heightened vigilance and enforcement measures against illegal constructions, particularly those associated with eateries and entertainment venues.This recent activity follows a series of similar drives initiated earlier. In late May, following an alleged hit-and-run incident in Kalyaninagar, PMC undertook extensive demolitions targeting illegal rooftop restaurants across various areas, including Kalyaninagar, Mundhwa, Pune railway station vicinity, Koregaon Park, Vimannagar, Deccan, Kothrud, and Ghorpadi.
In 2023, a significant demolition drive was conducted after a major fire incident gutted several rooftop restaurants in Aundh and Lullanagar. During this campaign, civic officials identified 89 restaurants operating illegally on rooftops, of which 53 were demolished. Furthermore, six operators pre-emptively razed their own properties, while seven eateries were shut down following court stay orders. Criminal charges were filed against nine establishments for regulatory violations, and seven were granted permissions post-compliance.The PMC’s rigorous enforcement reflects its commitment to maintaining urban order and safety. By systematically targeting unauthorised constructions, the civic body aims to ensure that all establishments adhere to regulatory norms, thereby safeguarding public interest and urban integrity.This proactive approach not only addresses immediate concerns related to illegal constructions but also serves as a deterrent against future violations. As Pune continues to grow, the PMC’s vigilant oversight will be crucial in managing the city’s expansion sustainably and legally.
