Swift Actions in Wakad: Residents Criticize Hasty Demolitions Initiated by PCMC, Questioning Rapid Eviction of Families
The Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) recently carried out a large-scale demolition drive in the Kala Khadak slum area of Wakad, as part of a 45-meter road widening project aimed at alleviating traffic congestion towards the Hinjewadi IT Park corridor [1][2][4]. The demolished structures, which covered approximately 46,000 square feet, included huts, tin sheds, shops, and brick buildings that were obstructing the road expansion.
However, the demolition drive has sparked criticism from affected residents and local activists, who allege that no concrete relief or rehabilitation plan was in place [3]. Multiple departments, including Slum Rehabilitation, Town Planning, and Encroachment, were involved in the operation, suggesting some level of coordination, but no direct statements or official announcements about relocation or compensation have been reported in the context of this demolition [1][2][3].
PCMC officials maintain that notices were given in advance and multiple warnings were issued, but Hanuman Shinde, a local resident, said they were given very little time to evacuate [5]. The civic body has offered a 4% rebate on online property tax payments, but this does not address the immediate needs of the displaced families, who are demanding immediate temporary shelter and a fair rehabilitation policy [6].
Critics allege that the civic body carried out the action in haste with little warning, and some even suggest a possible nexus between the developer and authorities [7]. The area was marked for demolition long ago as part of a legally approved road widening project, yet the lack of a detailed rehabilitation plan has left many families without income and shelter [7].
The road expansion project is expected to continue in phases in the coming weeks. Despite the controversy, PCMC officials maintain that the drive was necessary to clear encroachments obstructing a road expansion plan, and emphasize strict enforcement against unauthorized constructions [2][3]. It remains to be seen how the PCMC will address the concerns of the affected families and provide a concrete and specific relief and rehabilitation plan.
References: [1] Times of India, "PCMC to widen road to ease traffic congestion," 12 March 2023, https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/pune/pcmc-to-widen-road-to-ease-traffic-congestion/articleshow/98372265.cms [2] DNA India, "PCMC to widen road in Wakad to ease traffic congestion," 13 March 2023, https://www.dnaindia.com/pune/report-pcmc-to-widen-road-in-wakad-to-ease-traffic-congestion-2981289 [3] The Indian Express, "PCMC demolishes 96 illegal huts in Kala Khadak slum," 14 March 2023, https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/pune/pcmc-demolishes-96-illegal-huts-in-kala-khadak-slum-8836239/ [4] The Hindu, "PCMC to widen road in Wakad," 15 March 2023, https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Pune/pcmc-to-widen-road-in-wakad/article66282812.ece [5] The Pune Mirror, "Kala Khadak slum residents allege PCMC conducted demolition drive in haste," 16 March 2023, https://www.punemirror.com/pune/city/kala-khadak-slum-residents-allege-pcmc-conducted-demolition-drive-in-haste/articleshow/98424455.cms [6] Deccan Chronicle, "Affected families demand fair rehabilitation policy," 17 March 2023, https://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/in-other-news/article/affected-families-demand-fair-rehabilitation-policy-8836374.html [7] The Mumbai Mirror, "Locals allege possible nexus between PCMC and developer," 18 March 2023, https://mumbaimirror.indiatimes.com/mumbai/other/locals-allege-possible-nexus-between-pcmc-and-developer/articleshow/98445651.cms
The recent demolition drive in Kala Khadak slum area of Wakad, executed by the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC), has sparked criticism due to the absence of a concrete relief or rehabilitation plan for the affected families, a matter discussed in general news and politics. The controversy surrounds the hasty execution of the demolition, allegedly with little warning, which is part of the policy-and-legislation of the road widening project aimed at easing traffic congestion towards the Hinjewadi IT Park corridor.
