Massive Crackdown in East Pune: PMC Bulldozes 1.58 Lakh Sq Ft of Illegal Buildings in Lohegaon-Viman Nagar-Wagholi Stretch

In one of the largest recent crackdowns on illegal constructions in Pune’s eastern suburbs, the Pune Municipal Corporation carried out a major demolition drive across Lohgaon, Viman Nagar, and Wagholi on Wednesday

Lohegaon,Pune|05 March 2026:The operation began around 9 am and continued through the day under tight security. In Lohgaon alone, 78,000 square feet of illegal construction was demolished. In the Viman Nagar and Wagholi belt, another 80,000 square feet was cleared. Authorities confirmed that 18 notices had been issued in Lohgaon, and all 18 structures were subsequently demolished after non compliance.

The demolition drive targeted unauthorised commercial sheds, encroachments on public land, and buildings that allegedly violated fire safety norms, parking provisions, and height restrictions linked to defence regulations. Action was also taken near the Neco Garden area, including the demolition of structures associated with Rameshwaram Cafe.A significant enforcement team was deployed for the operation. Around 20 municipal police personnel, 30 MSF Soldiers, 15 JCB machines, 15 gas cutters, 15 breaker machines, and nearly 200 labourers were engaged. Assistant encroachment inspectors and engineers supervised the drive to ensure coordination and prevent law and order issues.

However, the action has sparked criticism from local residents. Many questioned how four to five storey buildings were allowed to come up in the first place. Citizens alleged possible negligence or collusion by officials, arguing that such large scale structures could not have been built overnight. Some residents also claimed that demolitions were carried out soon after the first notice, raising concerns about whether due process was fully followed.Officials maintained that repeated warnings had been issued and that the demolitions were necessary to curb unchecked urban violations. Civic authorities said early stage monitoring during foundation work is expected, but in several cases construction continued despite notices.

The drive highlights the growing pressure on Pune’s rapidly expanding eastern corridor, where real estate growth has often outpaced regulatory enforcement. While the civic body insists the crackdown is part of a larger citywide effort to remove encroachments, the controversy underscores the need for stronger preventive mechanisms rather than post construction demolitions that affect homebuyers and small business owners.As enforcement continues, questions remain over accountability and whether stricter monitoring can prevent such large scale unauthorised development in the future

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