Nagpur: The bulldozer action against illegal commercial structures in Kachipura has hit a fresh hurdle despite the state govt clearing the decks for demolition. According to NMC sources, three more occupants have approached the govt seeking a stay on the proposed demolition.Official correspondence accessed by TOI reveals that the Nagpur Municipal Corporation’s (NMC) Dharampeth Zone has written to the civic body’s legal and town planning departments before proceeding with the demolition. The zone has sought confirmation on whether the fresh appeals or any related proceedings before the High Court or any other judicial forum are pending before invoking Section 53(1) of the Maharashtra Regional and Town Planning (MRTP) Act. Officials indicated that further action will depend on the status of these appeals.The letters, dated July 3 and July 13, sent by Dharampeth Zone Assistant Commissioner Rajkumar Meshram to the deputy director (Town Planning) and the legal department, pertain to land under Khasra Nos. 204 to 209 belonging to Dr Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth (PDKV). The zone office stated that while the state govt had already dismissed earlier appeals filed under Section 47 of the MRTP Act, it has now learnt that three additional occupants have also moved the govt.The development comes weeks after the state govt upheld NMC’s stand and vacated the stay granted in 2016, effectively ending a nearly decade-long legal shield for the encroachments. The proposed demolition covers illegal constructions spread over 8,051.44 sq m, where 54 entities operate automobile workshops, garages, eateries, timber and wooden workshops, marriage lawns and other commercial establishments on land occupied by 27 people.The correspondence indicates that despite securing a favourable order from the state govt, the civic administration is proceeding cautiously to avoid fresh litigation that could once again delay the eviction drive.KACHIPURA ENCROACHMENT AT A GLANCE Location: Khasra Nos. 204-209, PDKV land, Kachipura Total illegal constructions: 8,051.44 sq m Commercial units: 54 over 27 individual occupants Businesses operating: Automobile workshops, garages, eateries, timber/wood workshops, marriage lawns and other commercial establishments Key law: MRTP Act, Sections 47 (appeals) & 53(1) (demolition) 2016: Stay granted, demolition stalled 2026: State govt dismisses appeals and vacates stay Fresh hurdle: NMC verifies reports of three new appeals before proceeding with demolition Action pending: Demolition to begin only after legal clearance from Town Planning and Legal departments
