Pune: Controversy Surrounds PMC’s Action Against Illegally Constructed Pubs in Koregaon Park-Mundhwa Area
Sumit Singh
Koregaon Park, 8th October 2023: The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) initiated action against illegally constructed pubs in the Koregaon Park Annexe Mundhwa area on Friday. However, the operation came to an abrupt halt due to alleged political pressure from a prominent leader, sparking heated discussions and questions about selective enforcement.
On that eventful Friday, the PMC had set its sights on the pubs that had proliferated along the riverbed in Mundhwa. A contingent of PMC employees, officials, and heavy machinery, including Pokland excavator and JCB machine, was deployed, accompanied by a police presence, to take action. Notably, the operation extended to Orilla pub that was still under renovation. Yet, the adjacent pub Waters remained untouched.
Speculation abounds that a ‘powerful’ political figure in the Maharashtra state exerted influence to halt the operation. The suspension of this action has ignited criticism from local residents who decry what they perceive as a two-tiered approach by the municipal administration.
The municipal administration has intensified its crackdown on unauthorized rooftop hotels and pubs in the city. Following the PMC’s previous action against 97 “roof-top hotels,” which have since attempted to reopen, these establishments are now under increased scrutiny. A case will be registered with the police against any illegal hotel found to be operating in violation of PMC’s orders. To this end, the PMC has initiated a comprehensive survey.
Municipal Commissioner and Administrator Vikram Kumar recently convened a meeting with officials from the construction department, where he underscored the urgent need to address the issue of proliferating unauthorized constructions. He issued a directive to all junior engineers of the construction department, instructing them to “take action against unauthorized constructions, including roof-top hotels, located within the side and front margins, and submit a report within 15 days.” In response, the construction department has begun to implement these directives.
पुणे: कोरेगाव पार्क मध्ये नाइटक्लबवर कारवाई, राजकीय दबावापोटी एकावरील कारवाइ थांबवली
This controversy surrounding the PMC’s actions underscores the challenges of enforcing building regulations and the need for consistent and impartial enforcement across all establishments.
