Pune: PMRDA to conduct anti-encroachment drives to ease highway traffic

To tackle the persistent problem of encroachments on highways the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority PMRDA has decided to conduct antiencroachment drives three times a year These encroachments have been a major cause of traffic congestion and accidentsFor the first time the PMRDA conducted a largescale demolition drive in Pune district in three phases beginning in January and ending in March During this operation 3500 illegal structures were razed Unauthorised constructions along national and state highways around Pune have long been a source of traffic chaos and safety hazardsCollaborative effortPMRDA spearheaded the initiative in collaboration with various government bodies including the National Highways Authority of India NHAI the Public Works Department PWD the Pune Municipal Corporation PMC and the PimpriChinchwad Municipal Corporation PCMC The joint effort freed up 364500 square feet of encroached land significantly easing congestion on Punersquos busiest routes Speaking to midday PMRDA Metropolitan Commissioner Dr Yogesh Mhase said ldquoThe drive is progressing smoothly and people have cooperated Prior notices were issued before the demolitionsrdquoSustained actionSince encroachments tend to resurface after demolitions Dr Mhase emphasiaed that regular drives are necessary ldquoBy conducting three drives a year we aim to deter encroachers and encourage them to acquire land legally for their businessesrdquo he saidHe also advised landowners to maintain and level their plots to prevent further encroachments ldquoWith the rising population and increasing number of vehicles illegal stalls and parking on roads consume nearly half of the available space worsening congestionrdquo he addedStrict enforcement orderedPMRDA officials confirmed that they have received strict orders from the state government to clear encroachments ensuring that no external pressure hinders the process On Thursday PMRDA began clearing encroachments on the ChakanTalegaonHinjewadi road a route infamous for its heavy traffic Commuters welcomed the moveSagar Kumbhar a daily commuter said ldquoTravelling from Pune to ChakanTalegaon and Shikrapur MIDC is a nightmare due to traffic and poor roads Itrsquos good that the authorities are finally acting During the monsoon it was even more dangerous for industrial vehicles navigating potholeridden encroached roadsrdquoFocus on major highwaysAuthorities have initiated a largescale removal of illegal structures along key roads and highways including the PuneNashik Highway PuneSolapur Highway PuneMumbai Highway and PuneSatara Highway Several complaints had been received about rampant encroachments in these areas Residents in PMC PCMC and PMRDA areas have been urged to voluntarily remove illegal structures to avoid action With the backing of multiple agencies including PWD NHAI MSRDC the police department and Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Limited MSEDCL the campaign aims to make Punersquos roads safer and smoother for commutersThe drive is being carried out in phasesJan 29 Feb 13 2025 822 illegal structures along NagarWagholi Road were demolished clearing 82200 square feetMarch 3 March 13 2025 2478 unauthorised structures along PuneNashik Road PuneSolapur Road and Chandni ChowkPaud Road were removed reclaiming 247800 square feetMarch 17 March 30 2025 210 illegal structures along HadapsarDive Ghat and PuneSatara Road were demolished freeing 34500 square feet