Illegal structures on PCMC radar again

Civic officials said there are over 66,000 illegal constructions in Pimpri-Chinchwad.

PMPimpri-Chinchwad, Chief Minister, PCMC, Bombay High Court, Rajeev Jadhav, Bombay High Court, NCP, Prithviraj Chavan

MLA Mahesh Landge has said he would not allow a single illegal structure in Bhosari to be demolished

Pimpri-Chinchwad is bracing for another round of demolitions. Despite politicians rushing to the Chief Minister’s Office to get an order passed for stopping the drive, the PCMC administration seems determined to initiate a special drive starting April 1.

The administration on Saturday said it was undertaking the drive following a directive from the Bombay High Court. “We are launching a special drive against illegal constructions from April 1. It will last a month,” said Municipal Commissioner Rajeev Jadhav.

[related-post]

As to the kind of illegal constructions that will be top priority of the administration, Jadhav said his officials had prepared a schedule. Speaking on whether structures that have been extended without permission or those constructed on land reserved in the development plan for roads or civic amenities would be demolished on priority, Jadhav said illegal constructions are a priority of the administration.

The PCMC chief refused to comment on speculation about the state government likely announcing its decision vis-a-vis legalising the structures. “I am not aware of any such development,” he said.

Meanwhile, the PCMC administration seems to be least bothered about the apparent threat by Bhosari MLA Mahesh Landge who had two days back said that he would not allow a single illegal structure in Bhosari to be demolished. The PCMC chief said that the special demolition drive will cover all areas of Pimpri-Chinchwad and will make no concession for any suburb. Civic officials said Bhosari will be treated like any other suburb.

Civic officials said there are over 66,000 illegal constructions in Pimpri-Chinchwad. This was the figure the civic administration-led by then PCMC commissioner Shrikar Pardeshi placed before the Bombay High Court two years back. The administration had placed the figure before the HC after Jayshree Dange, a resident of Sangvi, moved court complaining about a school that was constructed in the river bed. The school was demolished by the civic administration following directions from the HC.

During Shrikar Pardeshi’s tenure, Pimpri-Chinchwad had seen unprecedented demolitions. The Pardeshi-led administration had flattened hundreds of illegal structures across the industrial town. Pardeshi received seven threats to his life, but his administration remain undeterred.

Story continues below this ad

Under pressure from NCP politicians, the Prithviraj Chavan government had transferred Shrikar Pardeshi out of Pimpri-Chinchwad. The drive had then slowed down.

Jayshree Dange whose petition in the HC triggered the demolition spree in Pimpri-Chinchwad had threatened to file a contempt plea against PCMC. “PCMC demolished the school in river bed in Sangvi, but the debris still block the natural flow of river. If PCMC does not act, I will be forced to file contempt petition against the civic body,” she said.

Manoj Dattatrye More

Manoj Dattatrye More is a Senior Editor at The Indian Express, having been with the publication since 1992. Based in Pune, he is a veteran journalist with a 33-year career that spans editorial desk work, investigative reporting, and political analysis. Professional Legacy Experience: He spent his first 16 years on the editorial desk before moving into active field reporting. He has written over 20,000 stories, including more than 10,000 bylined articles. Impact Journalism: He is widely respected for "campaign-style" reporting that leads to tangible social change. Road Safety: His decade-long campaign regarding the dangerous state of the Pune-Mumbai highway in Khadki resulted in a ₹23 crore reconstruction project in 2006, which dramatically reduced fatalities. Environmental Protection: His reports against tree cutting on the Pune-Mumbai and Pune-Nashik highways saved approximately 2,000 trees. Anti-Corruption: During the COVID-19 pandemic, he exposed a scam where doctors were being asked to pay bribes for government jobs, resulting in them being hired without payment. Recent Notable Articles (Late 2025) Manoj More's recent work focuses heavily on the shifting political landscape of Maharashtra and civic governance in the Pimpri-Chinchwad area: 1. Political Shifts & Alliances "Ajit Pawar's NCP continues domination in Pune, wins 10 of 17 local bodies" (Dec 21, 2025): A major report on the local self-government election results, detailing the NCP’s stronghold in Baramati, Indapur, and Lonavala. "BJP ropes in 13 ex-corporators, deals major blow to NCP" (Dec 20, 2025): Reporting on a significant political defection in Pimpri-Chinchwad as the BJP gears up for civic polls. "Congress opts for solo BMC run as alliance talks with Sena (UBT) collapse" (Dec 17, 2025): Covering the breakdown of Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) talks for the Mumbai civic elections. "NCP(SP)'s Rahul Kalate, Sena (UBT) leader Sanjog Waghere set to join BJP" (Dec 19, 2025): Detailing high-profile party-hopping ahead of the municipal elections. 2. Civic & Administrative Accountability "PCMC draws ire for issuing tenders worth Rs 250 crore just before poll code" (Dec 17, 2025): An investigative piece on the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation’s last-minute spending spree before election restrictions. "93 killed in 76 accidents in five years: Bypass service roads in Pune remain undeveloped for 18 yrs" (Nov 16, 2025): A critical look at the long-delayed infrastructure projects contributing to fatalities on Pune’s bypass roads. 3. Social & Labor Issues "As state says TCS has laid off 376 employees: FITE flags figures, say nearly 2,500 were forced to quit" (Dec 11, 2025): Investigating conflicting reports regarding IT sector layoffs in Maharashtra. "Maharashtra govt move to 'downgrade' Aadhaar cards" (Nov 30, 2025): Reporting on the state’s decision to require additional documents alongside Aadhaar to combat identity misuse. Signature Beat Manoj More is the definitive voice on Pimpri-Chinchwad, an industrial hub he has covered for three decades. His reporting is characterized by its aggressive stance against local "gondaism" (thuggery) and a relentless focus on civic infrastructure—choked drains, garbage management, and public transport. X (Twitter): @manojmore91982 ... Read More

Click here to join Express Pune WhatsApp channel and get a curated list of our stories

Loading Taboola...