Pune: PCMC Begins Demolishing 36 Illegal Bungalows Along Indrayani River as SC Dismisses Appeal by Owners
Pune, May 17 – Civic authorities in Pimpri Chinchwad (PCMC) began demolishing 36 illegally constructed bungalows along the Indrayani River on Saturday after the Supreme Court dismissed appeals against the National Green Tribunal’s (NGT) demolition order.
Municipal Commissioner Shekhar Singh stated that the action was initiated as monsoon-related demolition restrictions will soon come into effect. The bungalows, part of the River Villa project were built within the prohibited blue flood line zone.
The NGT had ordered the demolition on July 1, 2024, and directed PCMC to recover ₹5 crore as environmental compensation from the owners. Despite legal challenges, including a Bombay High Court plea by residents seeking a redefinition of flood boundaries, no interim relief was granted.
VIDEO | Maharashtra: Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation demolishes 36 bungalows which were built illegally.#PuneNews
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) May 17, 2025
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Residents expressed frustration, claiming they were misled by builders who assured them of legal clearances. Many had invested their life savings in the properties. Advocates for the homeowners confirmed that while their main petition remains pending, no stay was issued on the demolition.
With all legal hurdles cleared, PCMC has disconnected utilities and issued eviction notices, aiming to complete the demolition before the monsoon.
