Pune: 36 Unauthorized Bungalows Near Indrayani River to Be Demolished
The Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) is set to demolish 36 unauthorized bungalows near the Indrayani River after the Bombay High Court rejected an interim plea. The legal battle has been ongoing, with residents and developers facing significant challenges.
Pimpri ChinchwadUnauthorized BungalowsIndrayani RiverLegal BattleDemolitionReal Estate NewsMay 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 reason for the demolition of these bungalows?
The bungalows are being demolished because they were constructed within the blue flood line zone of the Indrayani River, which is illegal according to municipal regulations.
Who is representing the homeowners in the legal battle?
Advocates Yogendra Kumar and Arun Longani are representing the homeowners in the legal battle against the demolition.
What did the National Green Tribunal (NGT) order in 2023?
In 2023, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) ordered the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) to demolish 29 bungalows and other illegal constructions within six months and to recover ₹5 crore as environmental compensation.
When is the demolition scheduled to begin?
The demolition is scheduled to begin on Saturday morning, as announced by the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC).
Why is the demolition being expedited?
The demolition is being expedited to avoid the monsoon restrictions, which come into effect after June 1, as no demolition can be done during the rainy season according to Supreme Court guidelines.