Pune: The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has, acting on people’s complaints, launched a drive to clear footpaths and streets of encroachments, unauthorised structures and illegal businesses, officials said. The exercise began on Sept 9 and teams had been deployed in five ward offices — Nagar Road (Wadgao Sheri), Aundh-Baner, Dhankawdi-Sahakarnagar, Hadapsar-Mundhwa, and Kasba-Vishrambaugwada, a release issued by the civic body on Thursday said. Activists said the administration lacks consistency in action. “PMC intensifies effort ahead of a festive season or a big event. Once it is over the enthusiasm dies down. It must hold the officials concerned responsible for not doing their job to control illegal constructions, and encroachments,” said Vivek Velankar of Sajag Nagrik Manch, a citizens’ group.A PMC official said they take stringent action, such as filing police complaints against repeat offenders. “Other steps include setting up fixed points at popular shopping destinations such as FC Road, Laxmi Road, and JM Road. Staff from the anti-encroachment department is stationed there round the clock,” the official said, adding the drive will be extended to other areas too.Ketki Paranjape, a resident of Sinhagad Road area, said traffic issues arise due to the presence of illegal vendors and hawkers.“Even after the new flyover was built on Sinhagad Road, unauthorised businesses still continue. Commuters suffer as a result, especially during peak hours. The civic administration should crack down on those who encroach on footpaths. It is an everyday problem, so the action should be daily,” she said.PMC officials said the drive mainly targeted roadside vendors operating without permits, as well as licence holders who violated terms such as sub-letting their spaces, not running the businesses themselves, operating outside the approved zone, or using cylinders illegally. As many as 90 sheds and 96 hawking counters had been removed in two days while illegal constructions spread over 5,100 square feet had been razed, they said.“The drive against unauthorised hawkers will continue. It aims to stop the misuse of public spaces. It will ensure legal compliance by street vendors and hawkers,” said Sandip Khalate, head of PMC’s anti-encroachment department.
