In a proactive move, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has initiated a demolition drive to clear unauthorized constructions in the vicinity of the High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL) in Sutarwadi. The operation, which began on March 1, 2024, targets 40 unauthorized shops and 10 illegal bungalows.
Sunil Kadam, Deputy Engineer at PMC, stated, “We have commenced the demolition drive, and the removal of half the unauthorized shops, totaling 20, will be completed today (1st March).”
The swift action by PMC comes in response to the stringent stance taken by the Bombay High Court against unauthorized constructions in the restricted areas of defense establishments. The targeted area near the HEMRL boundary wall faced encroachment issues, leading to the rapid intervention by the civic body.
Situated near the Mumbai-Bangalore bypass and within the HEMRL restricted area, approximately forty furniture stores had emerged. The PMC initiated legal action against ten of these establishments in November of the previous year, culminating in a case filed in the High Court to address the issue effectively.
This isn’t the first time PMC has addressed unauthorized constructions near HEMRL. In November 2023, the civic body had initiated actions against encroachments, demolishing unauthorized shops and showrooms, including furniture showrooms on the Baner side of the Mumbai-Bengaluru highway.
The unauthorized constructions in question fall within the restricted area of the Defense Department, specifically HEMRL. The existence of a furniture mall in this region not only violated regulations but also contributed to traffic congestion on the highway, prompting complaints from HEMRL.
