Pune: 36 Unauthorized Bungalows in River Villa to Face Demolition
The Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) is set to demolish 36 unauthorized bungalows in the River Villa project near the Indrayani river, following the Bombay High Court's rejection of an interim plea.
Pimpri ChinchwadUnauthorized BungalowsIndrayani RiverBombay High CourtDemolitionReal Estate PuneMay 17, 2025
A group of residents had approached the court seeking a redefinition of the flood line boundary and had requested that the civic body be restrained from initiating any coercive action until the remapping was completed. However, their plea for interim relief was turned down.
“The High Court allowed us an urgent hearing but did not grant any interim protection,” said advocates Yogendra Kumar and Arun Longani, representing the homeowners. “However, the main civil writ petition remains pending and is scheduled for hearing on June 9.”
The legal counsels insisted that while the construction itself is under dispute, the land purchases and registered sale deeds were executed legally. They also mentioned that the homeowners had submitted a written assurance to PCMC stating that if their properties fall within the revised blue line, they would either demolish the structures themselves or vacate the premises and hand over the keys until a new flood line is finalized.
Earlier, on May 5, the Supreme Court had dismissed a civil appeal by the developer seeking to block the demolition, further clearing the way for municipal action. Residents, however, expressed frustration and said they had been misled by the builder.
“We were told the plots were part of a residential zone. The corporation even provided water and electricity. If there was an issue, it should have been raised while the houses were being constructed,” said one bungalow owner. “Many of us spent our life savings on these homes.”
The matter has been under legal and environmental scrutiny for some time. On July 1, 2023, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) ordered PCMC to demolish 29 bungalows and other illegal constructions within six months. The NGT had also directed the civic body to recover ₹5 crore as environmental compensation from the property owners. However, the Supreme Court temporarily halted the action until the appeal process was exhausted.
Now, with all legal hurdles cleared, the civic body has finalized its plans. All 36 bungalows, including the 29 under litigation, have received eviction notices. Their water and electricity connections have been disconnected, and public announcements are ongoing to urge residents to vacate.
According to officials, many of the residents purchased the land in 2021, and construction was completed over the past two to three years. Several families had already moved in.
Although the Supreme Court did not set a specific deadline for the demolition, civic authorities are moving swiftly to avoid delays. Another official noted that monsoon restrictions, which come into effect after June 1, prohibit demolition of residential properties during the rainy season.
“Since no demolition can be done during the monsoon as per Supreme Court guidelines, this window is crucial,” the official added. The demolition drive is scheduled to begin on Saturday morning.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the River Villa project?
The River Villa project is a residential development in Chikhali, near the Indrayani river, which includes 36 bungalows that have been identified as unauthorized constructions.
Why are the bungalows being demolished?
The bungalows are being demolished because they were constructed within the blue flood line zone of the Indrayani river, which is illegal according to environmental regulations.
What was the outcome of the residents' legal plea?
The Bombay High Court did not grant the residents' plea for interim relief, allowing the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) to proceed with the demolition.
When is the demolition scheduled to begin?
The demolition is scheduled to begin on Saturday, May 17, 2025.
What are the monsoon restrictions mentioned?
Monsoon restrictions, which come into effect after June 1, prohibit the demolition of residential properties during the rainy season as per Supreme Court guidelines.
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