Pune Camp’s iconic landmark, Hotel Ramakrishna, is once again in the spotlight, but this time due to a major legal development. Following a prolonged legal battle, the Supreme Court has passed a decisive order to remove several illegal encroachments in the vicinity of the hotel on Friday. This includes establishments such as Meridian Ice Cream, Hotel Kabir, and various unauthorized coffee stalls and pan shops that have been occupying public land unlawfully.
The order comes as a significant step towards restoring the area’s original layout and ensuring public safety. According to officials, the encroachments not only violated urban planning norms but also contributed to traffic congestion and hygiene concerns. The demolition department has already been notified, and preparations are underway for the clearance drive.
In addition to the removal of illegal structures, attention has also been drawn to several old and weak trees in the area. Experts have warned that these trees pose a serious risk, as they could collapse at any moment, potentially causing damage to nearby properties and endangering human lives. Authorities have been instructed to assess and remove such trees with immediate effect.
The move has sparked mixed reactions among residents and business owners. While many welcome the action as a step towards urban cleanliness and safety, others have expressed concern over the loss of long-standing local shops.
22 years of legal battle
Social Activist Raj Singh said, "For the past 22 years, they have been fighting the legal battle to remove several illegal encroachments in the vicinity of the Ramakrishna Hotel. I'm glad the Supreme Court verdict has come in favour of Ramakrishna Hotel. Now the place looks much cleaner and better. Earlier, due to the encroachment, there was no space left for people to even walk and park their vehicles. And due to eateries surrounding the entire area, the trash could be seen all over the place, making it look untidy. But now I urge the administration to be determined to carry out the court’s directive and ensure that Pune Camp remains a safe and orderly area for all."
Regular customers speak up
Darshan Deasi, a resident of Swargate, who has been coming to the RK Hotel since his childhood, said, "I'm coming to this place since my childhood, and for the past three years, I'm a regular customer here. This is an upscale restaurant, and it has its own charm, but the area around this hotel was encroached by several eateries and hawkers which would make it look very shabby."
He added, "Earlier, there was this shop Kabir Chinese and Meridian Ice Cream small joint due to which people would stand on the road and make it more crowded. Now, with removal of the encroachment, there's ample space and one can park their vehicles. Otherwise, we would park our vehicle 1 km away and walk to the hotel, but now there's ample space for parking and now the hotel looks decent and shining. The authorities should come down on any encroachment on everything. Because encroachment shows lack of fear in regards to law and order."
Nilesh Kurlab, a resident of Wagholi, said, "We are happy with the freeing of encroached area. Now there's ample space left for parking and also they have increased the seating area. Now customers can actually sit for meetings and food, as they have bifurcated the space into two. It's an old restaurant and its service is good, that's why people prefer that place for meetings."
Mrunal Deshmukh said, "The clearing of the encroachment is good, but the life of hawkers and vendors who used to put their stalls there has become a concern now, as in where would they go. Their business is gone, and these people come from very marginalised families, so they should also be given some space where they can run their business."
Pramod Kadam, Health Superintendent, Pune Cantonment Board, said that the board was taking regular action against illegal hawkers and stricter measures will be initiated to maintain law and order.
