Civic Activists Allege Negligence as Academies and Shops Occupy Vital Riverbank Space
The Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation’s (PCMC) B ward office has come under scrutiny as encroachments proliferate along the Pavana riverbed in Chinchwadgaon. Despite the development of an 18-meter wide road by the B ward office, stretching from Chinchwad Crematorium to Link Road, the riverbank is being encroached upon by various establishments including academies, shops, and restaurants.
Civic activists have raised alarms over the apparent indifference of the anti-encroachment department and B ward officers towards these encroachments. They highlight the narrowing of the riverbed within municipal limits, attributing it to debris dumping by landowners who own plots along the riverbank, flouting established guidelines.
“The situation along the Pavana river in Chinchwad has worsened, with commercial establishments, playgrounds, and sports academies cropping up on reclaimed land,” remarked concerned citizens, urging authorities to intervene and address the encroachments.
Sanjay Kulkarni, Joint City Engineer of the environment department at PCMC, acknowledged the presence of debris in the riverbed and assured action against those responsible. However, he noted that the establishment of shops falls under the jurisdiction of the B ward office, emphasizing their responsibility to combat encroachments on the riverbed.
Additionally, an alternative 18-meter wide road has been constructed from Chinchwad Crematorium to Link Road Empire Flyover, facilitating access to Pimpri. This road, built at a cost of approximately Rs. 12-15 crore, includes bridges over two nullahs and a retaining wall to prevent flooding in Chinchwadgaon. While local residents utilize the road for leisurely walks, it serves as a vital alternate route for commuting to Pimpri.
Despite efforts to provide infrastructure enhancements, the encroachments along the Pavana riverbed remain a pressing concern, necessitating concerted action from authorities to safeguard vital ecological and civic spaces.
