The Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) on Saturday started the demolition of 36 unauthorised bungalows of the River Villa project located within the blue flood line zone of the Indrayani River at Chikhali.
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PCMC Municipal Commissioner Shekhar Singh said the civic body has started the demolition drive as it cannot be carried out during the monsoon season.
He said, "Owners of the land and bungalows had again approached the Supreme Court against the order passed by the National Green Tribunal (NGT). However, it disposed of their petition on May 4 and directed the PCMC to implement the order to demolish these structures."
Tanaji Gambhire, a local environmental activist, had moved the NGT against the River Villa project, citing that the bungalows were constructed within the blue line, an area adjacent to a riverbank where development activities are not permitted.
On July 1, 2024, the NGT ordered the PCMC to demolish the illegal structures and collect Rs 5 crore as environmental damage compensation from the bungalow owners and other parties involved. However, when the residents appealed in the apex court, it first stayed the NGT order but later upheld it, as well as the costs imposed.
Singh said the PCMC will also collect Rs 5 crore from the bungalow owners as environmental damage compensation soon.
Reportedly, there were 35 illegal structures and one resident had constructed the structure up to the plinth. Out of them, 29 residents had approached the Supreme Court. They had purchased the plots in 2021 and completed the construction in the last 2–3 years.
A day before the demolition, the residents were seen busy packing their household items and other material and transporting them to either their relatives’ homes or rented accommodation. The PCMC had already positioned their JCBs and other equipment for demolition purposes on the eve of the demolition.
Meanwhile, the residents rued that the civic body should have at least given them some time to find another accommodation, especially considering that the monsoon season is nearing.
