Home in Pune –Chikhli, Pimpri-Chinchwad (May 2025): In a significant move to enforce urban planning laws and safeguard ecological zones, the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) demolished 36 unauthorized structures at the River Villa housing society near the Indrani River in Chikhli. The large-scale operation, completed within 10 hours on May 17, is being hailed as the most extensive civic crackdown on illegal construction within a river’s blue flood line in the region.
Despite strong protests and allegations of insufficient notice from residents, PCMC Commissioner Shekhar Singh stood firm, confirming the action was in complete compliance with orders from the National Green Tribunal (NGT) and the Supreme Court.
“This demolition sends a strong and clear message: illegal constructions—no matter how old or well-connected—will not be tolerated,” Singh stated.
Why the Demolition Was Carried Out
The controversy began when civic activist Advocate Gambhire petitioned the NGT, contesting the legality of homes built within the river’s protected blue line.
In July 2024, the NGT ordered the demolition of all 36 structures and levied an environmental compensation of ₹5 crore on the residents. Although the homeowners appealed to the Supreme Court, their petition was dismissed in August 2024. Further attempts, including a review petition and a follow-up appeal, also failed. On May 4, 2025, the Supreme Court upheld the demolition order, clearing the way for PCMC’s action.
PCMC issued multiple notices, giving residents time to vacate and remove personal belongings before the demolition was executed on May 17.
Due Diligence Is Essential When Buying a Home in Pune
This event sends a strong message to all property buyers: legal due diligence is critical before purchasing a home in Pune or anywhere else. Commissioner Singh emphasized that “ignorance is no excuse”—buyers are responsible for verifying the legality of land and structures.
“It is the buyer’s duty to confirm that the property is not on restricted land such as the blue flood line,” he warned.
Checklist for Buying a Legal Pune Home
If you’re planning to purchase a Pune home or land in the Pimpri-Chinchwad area, here are essential guidelines to follow:
- ✅ Check Zoning and Flood Lines: Ensure the land is not within a no-development or blue flood line zone.
- ✅ Verify Land Use: Confirm whether the land is authorized for residential, commercial, agricultural, or industrial use.
- ✅ Demand Approved Layout Plans: Only accept layouts approved by PCMC, PMC, or PMRDA.
- ✅ Cross-Check with Town Planning Authorities: Make sure all building permissions are genuine and documented.
- ✅ Review Ownership Papers: Examine the title deed, 7/12 extract, and check for encumbrances.
- ✅ File an RTI: If in doubt, file a Right to Information (RTI) request to verify the legal status of the plot.
- ✅ Avoid Emotional Decisions: Don’t rely solely on verbal promises or marketing labels like “ready-to-move.”
- ✅ Consult a Lawyer: Always have a legal expert review all documentation before making any payments.
Why Illegal Homes Still Receive Utilities
Many people question why PCMC continued to supply water and collect taxes from these illegal constructions. Commissioner Singh clarified that such utilities are extended on humanitarian grounds and do not confer legal status.
“Water supply, property tax collection, and drainage services do not legalize a structure,” Singh stated, citing a November 2024 Supreme Court ruling (Rajan Bajatia vs UP Awas Nigam) affirming this principle.
Corruption Allegations Being Investigated
Following the demolition, accusations have emerged suggesting some civic officials accepted bribes to allow illegal construction. Commissioner Singh has urged citizens to file formal written complaints, assuring action:
“If we receive official complaints, the strictest disciplinary actions will be taken immediately.”
Final Word: Think Twice Before You Buy a Home in Pune
This demolition drive is a powerful reminder that illegal construction is a serious offense, regardless of how long a property has existed. For those seeking a home in Pune, this case reinforces the importance of verifying all legal aspects of the property.
With environmental regulations tightening and judicial backing for enforcement, the age of unauthorized building is rapidly coming to an end. Every Pune home buyer must now be vigilant, informed, and proactive to avoid falling into legal trouble.
