Anti-Encroachment Drive in Pune: PMC Targets Over 50 Illegal Setups on JM Road and FC Road

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Pune, November 22, 2025: The Pune Municipal Corporation carried out a surprise Anti-Encroachment Drive in Pune on JM Road and FC Road late Friday evening, acting against more than 50 shops, street vendors and commercial establishments. The civic body termed this operation a strategic move aimed at tackling repeated violations along two of the city’s busiest pedestrian corridors.

What Triggered the Action

Residents have been complaining for months about blocked footpaths on JM Road and FC Road. Both stretches were redeveloped under the Urban Street Project to improve walkability, but many eateries and shops allegedly extended their setups onto public pathways. Officials say sheds, margins, extra counters and seating areas were routinely placed on footpaths despite previous warnings.

Massive anti encroachment action on FC Road! @amarbarwe @siyer @aparanjape @brizpatil @prasadpanseMT pic.twitter.com/Q0sXpctSU7
— Sumita Kale (@sumitakale) November 21, 2025

A Different Approach This Time

Authorities carried out the Anti-Encroachment Drive in Pune during evening hours instead of the usual afternoon schedule. Officials say businesses often restore encroachments soon after teams leave, making routine actions ineffective.

The late-evening operation caught many violators off guard. Senior officials, including Additional Municipal Commissioner Prithviraj B. P., were present on the ground, signalling stricter enforcement going forward.

#पुणे महापालिकेने आज जंगली महाराज रोड, फर्ग्युसन रोडवर जोरदार अतिक्रमण कारवाई केली. यामध्ये जवळपास 50 ठिकाणी ही कारवाई झाली आहे. अतिरिक्त आयुक्त पृथ्वीराज बी.पी. स्वतः यावेळी उपस्थित होते त्यामुळे महापालिकेच्या खबऱ्यांना कारवाई मॅनेज करता आली नाही#pune #punenews pic.twitter.com/o80WrZ6OTD
— Brijmohan Patil (@brizpatil) November 21, 2025

Items Removed During the Drive

The civic team used a JCB to dismantle unauthorized extensions and seized material including:

Sheds and awnings
Display counters and fridges
Stalls and stands
Tables and chairs placed on walkways

A heavy police presence ensured that attempts to resist were brought under control. Deputy Commissioners Somnath Bankar and Ramesh Shelar monitored the operation with ward-level teams.

Internal ‘Informers’ Caught by Surprise

For years, informal tip-offs from within departments reportedly helped vendors temporarily remove illegal setups before scheduled drives. This time, PMC kept the location confidential, summoning staff earlier in the day without disclosing the target zone. This prevented internal leaks and ensured the Anti-Encroachment Drive in Pune remained effective.

Officials believe this secrecy marks a shift in strategy and say similar surprise drives may be conducted in other commercial hubs.

Larger Message to Violators

The operation reflects PMC’s attempt to sustain public spaces as intended under the city’s redevelopment projects. The civic body has indicated that recurring violations will not be overlooked, and the Anti-Encroachment Drive in Pune may expand to other busy areas if complaints continue.