An anti-encroachment drive was conducted on Saturday at Ferguson College Road (FC) to eliminate illegal construction at public spaces. The issue was raised by the newly elected MLA and cabinet minister Chandrakant Patil during a meeting with municipal commissioner Rajendra Bhosale. The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) department of building permission and construction took the action.
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) state spokesperson had Sandeep Khardekar alleged that PMC has a nexus between unauthorised vendors and the administration. "Their records show that they took action against vendors and encroachers, but these people come and reopen their stalls the next day. There is no fear of the law. It's a big nexus and there is corruption," said Khardekar.
4k sq feet illegal construction cleared
The civic body on Saturday cleared about 4,000 square feet of unauthorized construction from the side and front margins on the stretch during the four-hour operation. Stalls and goods were also seized on FC Road.
An official from PMC said, “We conduct such drives to get rid of illegal stalls and structures encroaching on the footpath and public space. The drive started at 3 pm, and in the future, we will be conducting more such drives to make the city look better and cleaner."
The civic authorities have assured the citizens that they have cleared the encroached areas and will ensure that these illegal constructions and food vendors do not return. If they are found operating in public spaces again, the fine will be increased, and strict action will be taken.
