Pune: Tribal Family Left Homeless After PMAY House Demolition at Sinhagad
A tribal family, residing at Sinhagad Fort for seven generations, has been left homeless after their PMAY-registered home was demolished during an anti-encroachment drive. The family, which depends on selling refreshments to tourists, is now sheltering under plastic sheets amid heavy rains.
PmaySinhagadTribal FamilyHomelessnessAntiencroachment DriveReal Estate PuneJun 16, 2025
The operation, carried out between May 29 and June 4, involved dismantling multiple Reinforced Cement Concrete (RCC) homes as part of a heritage conservation effort. Officials claimed the demolitions were in line with heritage protection norms, but 37-year-old Savita Gaikwad, a member of the Adivasi Mahadev Koli community, said she was never properly notified.
“We have lived here for seven generations. Our ancestors served as guards under the Maratha Empire. In 2016, with assistance from PMAY, we built our first concrete house. It was marked on the wall, yet no officials verified the documents. Now we are homeless, with all our belongings damaged by rain,” said a visibly distressed Gaikwad.
Survival for the Gaikwad family depends on selling refreshments like nimbu-pani to visiting tourists. With their home gone and no alternate shelter provided, the family now takes refuge under plastic sheets amid the ongoing monsoon.
Savita’s husband, Sanjay Dattatray Gaikwad, added, “We received just ₹1.2 lakh under the scheme and took loans amounting to ₹5 lakh to complete the house. It was our only shelter. My wife hasn’t stopped crying; her eyes are swollen from sleeping in the open.”
Despite the family’s assertion that their home was constructed under PMAY, officials dispute this claim. Vilas Wahane, Assistant Director of the Pune Division Archaeological Department, stated, “The Gaikwads did not obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC), which is why their house was demolished. Also, the house was built under a different scheme, not PMAY. That said, we will consult with the district collector to explore the possibility of providing them with an alternate shelter near the fort.” However, photographs of the home before demolition display PMAY markings, casting doubt on the administration’s claims.
Local MLA Bhimrao Tapkir condemned the action, calling it “inhuman and unjust.” Tapkir said, “Demolishing a PMAY-registered home without verifying documents is unacceptable. Financial assistance under the scheme is only granted after proper checks. I will raise this matter with the Pune Collector and demand accountability from those responsible.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to the tribal family at Sinhagad Fort?
The tribal family, which has lived at Sinhagad Fort for seven generations, was left homeless after their PMAY-registered home was demolished during an anti-encroachment drive.
Why was the family's home demolished?
The home was demolished as part of a heritage conservation effort by the Archaeological and Forest Departments. Officials claim the family did not obtain the necessary No Objection Certificate (NOC).
What is the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY)?
PMAY is a government scheme in India aimed at providing affordable housing to the economically weaker sections and lower income groups. It offers financial assistance for constructing new homes or upgrading existing ones.
How is the family coping after the demolition?
The family is now sheltering under plastic sheets amid heavy rains. They depend on selling refreshments to tourists for their survival, and the loss of their home has left them in a dire situation.
What steps are being taken to address the family's situation?
Local MLA Bhimrao Tapkir has condemned the demolition and called for accountability. The Archaeological Department has stated they will consult with the district collector to explore providing alternate shelter near the fort.
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