The recent fire incident at an illegal godown has brought attention to the escalating issue of hundreds of unauthorized godowns constructed on the hillslopes of the Gangadham to Katraj-Kondhwa Road in Pune. With connivance from civic officials and local representatives, these illegal structures span across 10-12 acres and pose potential problems for residents of Bibvewadi, Kondhwa, Katraj, and Yevlewadi areas. As new residential and commercial buildings continue to emerge, concerns arise regarding future challenges related to water availability and transportation in these localities.
Illegal Godowns and Construction:
Situated approximately 1.5 km from Market Yard, numerous illegal godowns have been erected along both sides of the Gangadham to Kondhwa road. Despite the area being designated as a hilltop-hillslope with no construction permitted as per the Pune Municipal Corporation’s Development Plan (DP), hundreds of godowns have sprouted in the 10-12-hectare region. Unfortunately, local representatives turned a blind eye to these unauthorized constructions.
Negligence of Civic Administration:
The civic administration has also failed to address the issue adequately. Apart from issuing notices and taking minor actions, the PMC has imposed three times the tax on these godowns, some of which have accumulated tax liabilities ranging from ₹50 lakh to ₹70 lakh. Although the notices initially created a stir, the influence of local representatives has subdued any significant action against the illegal structures.
Transportation and Water Concerns:
Meanwhile, the civic administration and officials are working on widening the road from Gangadham to Katraj/Kondhwa. Plans for a flyover at Gangadham Chowk, with an estimated cost of ₹105 crore, and a subway have been sanctioned. Additionally, the construction of Road 205 through the plot of the SRA scheme in Anand Nagar slums hangs in the balance, affecting the fate of slum residents.
The growing number of upcoming housing and commercial projects between Gangadham and Kondhwa raises concerns about drinking water shortages. The area will require the supply of large volumes of water from tanks located in Bibvewadi, Upper Indira Nagar, Katraj, and Kondhwa, potentially impacting long-term residents.
Traffic Congestion and Safety Hazards:
Despite the presence of wide roads, traffic jams in the area are already prevalent and are expected to worsen in the future. This situation will significantly affect residents residing in Kondhwa, Yevlewadi, Katraj, Bibvewadi, and Bibvewadi-Kondhwa Road. Additionally, the illegal godowns, inadequate security systems, and narrow roads pose obstacles for fire tenders to reach the spots promptly during fire incidents, further contributing to the area’s designation as a hot spot.
The increasing number of illegal godowns and unauthorized constructions in the Gangadham to Katraj Kondhwa Road area has become a pressing concern for residents and local authorities. The connivance of civic officials and people’s representatives has allowed these structures to proliferate, leading to potential water and transportation problems for nearby localities. It is crucial for the civic administration to address these issues promptly and take necessary measures to ensure the safety and well-being of the residents in the affected areas.
