Pune: PMC Takes Action Against 11 Unauthorized Buildings in Ambegaon Budruk

Pune, 30th December 2023: In a recent move, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) undertook a demolition operation against 11 unauthorized buildings located in Ambegaon Budruk near Sinhgad College. Despite a prior notice issued in 2021, no action has been taken until now. The sudden demolition left flat owners distressed, witnessing their homes reduced to debris.

The affected buildings had become a point of contention, particularly for citizens who had invested their life savings in purchasing flats from the builder. A retired senior citizen, who invested his entire life’s capital, expressed the anguish of seeing his home crumble. The buildings, being unauthorized, had drawn the PMC’s ire, leading to the deployment of bulldozers for demolition.

A resident, who wished to remain anonymous, shared his predicament, “I bought a house in this place last year as I accumulated money after retirement. At that time, the builder assured that these houses would be authorized. My lifetime earnings were ruined.”

The PMC’s action has not only affected flat owners but has also left contractors in a quandary. Contractors providing plumbing, electricity, flooring, doors, and windows are now grappling with pending payments from the builder.

While some citizens had vacated their houses before the demolition, a few others found their belongings and vehicles stranded due to the sudden action. The PMC defended its move, stating that the buildings were uninhabited, justifying the demolition.

The demolition has sparked outrage among affected citizens who, upon learning about the incident, flocked to the site, expressing their anger by calling the elusive builder. The absence of responses from the builder intensified the frustration of those seeking answers.

The timing of the action has raised eyebrows, as it occurred during the vacation period of key municipal officials, including the PMC Commissioner and City Engineer. This has led to discussions about the decision-making process in their absence.

The construction site’s challenging conditions, including steep roads, large electrical systems, water arrangements, and buildings constructed adjacent to each other without proper margins, further complicate the aftermath of the demolition.