Click here to join Express Pune WhatsApp channel and get a curated list of our stories
© The Indian Express Pvt Ltd
Tags:
Journalism of Courage
The Pimpri -Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) on Wednesday removed 96 hutments, spread over approximately 46,000 sq ft in the Kalakhadak slum, which were hindering road widening in Wakad area. The civic officials said that the encroachments — which included huts, tin sheds, shops, and brick structures — were cleared to make way for the construction of a 45-meter-wide road and it will ease the traffic flow from Wakad to the IT hub of Hinjewadi.
“Strict action is being taken against unauthorised constructions across Pimpri Chinchwad. I have directed departments to immediately remove encroachments that obstruct important developmental works in the city,” said Municipal Commissioner Shekhar Singh.
After the structures on the 250-metre long stretch, with a width of 16 metres, were cleared, road widening work began immediately. Utility relocation for electricity poles, water pipelines, and other service lines has also been planned and is expected to be completed soon, officials said. This road widening project is set to significantly ease traffic congestion in the Wakad area. It will streamline vehicular movement between Bhumkar Chowk, Hinjawadi, Thergaon, and Pimpri, offering commuters smoother and faster connectivity, the civic administration said.
The demolition involved coordinated efforts from multiple departments, including the Slum Clearance and Rehabilitation Department, Town Planning, Building Department, BRTS Cell, Electrical Department, and the Anti-Encroachment Department.
The operation deployed one excavator, seven JCBs, four dumpers, and fifteen labourers, officials said.
“All unauthorised structures obstructing the Wakad road widening project have been removed. Similar actions will be taken across all zonal offices, and follow-up meetings have already been held to plan the next steps,” said Pradip Jambhale Patil, Additional Commissioner, PCMC.
Senior officials present during the drive included Additional Commissioner Patil, City Engineer Makarand Nikam, Joint Commissioner Manoj Lonkar, Joint City Engineer Bapu Gaikwad, Deputy Commissioner Anna Bodade, Assistant Commissioners Atul Patil, Amit Pandit, and Kishor Nanavare, as well as senior police officers including DCP Vishal Gaikwad, ACPs Vishal Hire and Satish Kasabe, Senior Police Inspector Jitendra Mali, and executive engineers Rajendra Shinde, Sunil Pawar, Abhiman Bhosale, Sunil Shinde, and Dilip Lande.
