Tejas Navale
Pune, May 18, 2025: In a significant action, the Encroachment Department of the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) launched a large-scale anti-encroachment drive across key parts of the city on Saturday. The operation targeted major roads and intersections that have long been plagued by illegal occupation of public spaces by vendors and shopkeepers.
The drive was conducted at several high-footfall zones, including Namdar Gopal Krishna Gokhale Road in Shivajinagar, Tulshibaug, Narpatgiri Chowk, and Deep Bangla Chowk in Model Colony. These areas, which are often choked with traffic and pedestrians, had been witnessing rampant encroachment, with traders occupying footpaths and roadside stretches to run their businesses.
According to civic officials, this problem has taken deep root across almost every major road in Pune. Despite multiple warnings in the past, vendors had continued to operate illegally, reportedly emboldened by tacit support from local political leaders.
The unchecked spread of encroachments had become a growing concern for citizens. Numerous complaints had come about pedestrians being forced to walk on roads due to blocked footpaths, increasing the risk of accidents. Union Minister Murlidhar Mohol and Maharashtra’s Higher and Technical Education Minister Chandrakant Patil had earlier voiced their displeasure at the deteriorating situation and urged the PMC to act immediately.
Responding to this pressure, the encroachment department swung into action on Saturday under the leadership of Encroachment Inspector Sachin Utale. Major crackdowns were carried out not just on Namdar Gopal Krishna Gokhale Road but also in adjoining localities such as Ward No. 14, Ward No. 7, and on the busy Pune-Mumbai Highway. A large number of handcarts and unauthorised shops were dismantled as part of the operation.
The drive further extended to Deep Bangla Chowk, the bustling Old Bazaar area in Mangalwar Peth, Babu Genu Chowk, and the entire Tulshibaug area. Deputy Commissioner of the Encroachment Department, Sandeep Khalate, confirmed that dozens of unauthorised setups were cleared and assured that this action will also continue further.
“Encroachment action is being intensified and carried out across several locations in the city. The operation will not pause for weekends or holidays,” Khalate said. He also added that the administration is committed to restoring public spaces to citizens and that similar action will be seen in other affected areas in the coming days.
