Demolition drive continues

PUNE, March 16: In a strategic move to defuse the critical situation arising out of transfer of Arun Bhatia, the new Municipal Commission...

PUNE, March 16: In a strategic move to defuse the critical situation arising out of transfer of Arun Bhatia, the new Municipal CommissionerMC Girish Pradhan today continued demolition drive against the illegal constructions.

The anti-encroachment squad of the municipal corporation today struck Karve road and pull down about 13,500 square feet unauthorised constructions, which had come up in the front, side and back margins of the buildings. Gautam Waghchoure, chief of anti-encroachment department told media persons that corporation demolished 59 unauthorised sheds and constructions during the daylong operation while notices have been sent to 78 establishments from Deccan corner to Shivaji statue.When asked whether he would continue Bhatia8217;s drive against the illegal constructions the Municipal Commissioner replied that action had already began on Karve road. 8220;Action speaks thousand words8221; Pradhan replied.

On the fifth day of the special drive against the encroachment upon the parking space, the civic squad today demolished a shed at Alurkar Music House 500 square feet, a shed at Ashwamedh Mangal Karyalaya 1700 square feet, a shed at Shri Ganesh Mangal Karyalaya 950 square feet, a 100 feet long wall at Bhosal Heights, a shed at hotel Swikar 500 square feet, a shed at Padale Palace 800 square feet, a store room at Patil Arcade 500 square feet, an elevation at hotel Sitara 500 square feet, a shed at Hotel Ajinkya 400 square feet, a close parking at Kajale heights, a shed at Kasat Chemicals 300 square feet, a hundred feet wall at Hotel Sumitra and a shed at Hotel Yogi 500 square feet.

Waghchoure said the action began at 9.30 am and continued till late in the evening. About 130 casual labourers and two excavators were pressed into service. He made it clear that the action against those establishment, who have been issued notices would be completed on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, the Tax Assessment department of the corporation has issued warrant to one Prakash Namdeo Pashankar to recover the tax arrears of Rs. 7.56 lakh. The officials said the property of Pashankar would attached if he failed to pay the tax within five days after issuance of warrant as required by the rules.

The civic staff recovered the arrears of Rs. 4.44 lakh from R D Jethwani, Rs. 6.5 lakh from Poona Medical Foundation and Rs. 3.07 from Crompton Movies during the past two days.

The municipal commissioner, who conducted a brief meeting of all the officials in the morning, made it clear that he would not tolerate any inefficiency in the administration. He is also reported to have told the officials that officials, found involved in corruption, would be suspended immediately.