Following the bridge collapse over the Indrayani river at Kundamala village in Pune district that claimed at least four lives, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has turned its attention to the city’s dangerous buildings and wadas.
Notices have been issued to owners and tenants of these structures, instructing them to vacate and dismantle the unsafe premises. Despite the orders, around 37 wada owners and tenants have not moved, prompting civic officials to take strict action by disconnecting the electricity and water supply to these properties, said an official.
The civic body has also taken help from the police to vacate the hazardous wadas. Pune city has around 2,800 old wadas, of which some have been redeveloped into high-rise buildings over the years.
Ahead of this year's monsoon, 116 wadas were identified as dangerous and served notices. Of these, 76 have already been demolished, and some more are scheduled for removal in the coming week.
Mainly, all the old wadas in the city are located in Pune's Peth areas, and the development is stalled in these areas due to disputes between landlords and tenants. PMC’s building department has issued fresh notices urging evacuation amid the increasing rains. However, 37 residents are resisting the demolition, in response to which PMC has cut the power and water connections to these properties to compel compliance and avoid any danger.
Every year, before the monsoon, the civic body surveys such structures and categorises them as extremely dangerous or less dangerous. Those considered extremely dangerous are slated for demolition, and the costs are recovered from the owners. In some instances, owners oppose the demolition and seek legal intervention. If a court issues a stay, the civic body must halt action. Where repairs are possible, immediate instructions are given, and a follow-up is conducted before the monsoon to ensure compliance.
“In some cases, some wadas are caught in ownership and tenancy disputes. Several of these matters are pending in the court, leaving the properties vacant and without upkeep. With no maintenance or repairs being carried out, these ageing buildings have deteriorated further, increasing the risk of collapse during the monsoon,” said Rajesh Bankar, Superintendent Engineer.
