Pune: The civic body during a drive on Wednesday demolished at least 18 illegal constructions spread over 78,000 sqft in the Lohegaon and Nagar Road areas. These razed structures included concrete ones as well as tin sheds, with both residential and commercial properties targeted. As per a statement issued by Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) officials, action was also taken against the popular Rameshwaram Cafe in Vimannagar. When TOI tried to contact the eatery, the management representative’s phone was switched off.PMC officials said the demolition drive against illegal constructions on various properties in these areas was carried out in accordance with provisions of the Unified Development Control and Promotion Regulations (UDCPR), which functions in conjunction with the Maharashtra Regional and Town Planning (MRTP) Act, 1966. Typically, when a violation of building permission rules occurs, authorities issue a notice under section 53 of the MRTP Act, directing the owner to either remove or regularise the unauthorised work within a specified period. A notice under section 267 of the MRTP Act was also issued to some establishments in this regard.“The PMC gave notices to the owners of these properties. They were asked to raze the illegal constructions, but they did not do so. So, they faced action. The civic body will continue the drive,” said Somnath Bankar, head of PMC’s anti-encroachment department. Civic officials told TOI that PMC took action against structures in the side and front margin of these properties.
