Pimpri-Chinchwad: Action was taken against 1,511 official buildings, scrapyards, shops, godowns and other commercial units spanning an area of 1 crore 20 lakh 72 thousand square feet in Kudalwadi and its vicinity on day one.
This action, which began on 8 February 2025, continues to this day. There has been a massive outcry for this move and countless allegations and counter-allegations are being levelled.
There has also been an immense call to halt the action. But why did this action take place and what was the reason for it? What is actually the status of the Kudalwadi case? Facts have emerged.
Beginning of action at Kudalwadi
For several years, illegal constructions, godowns and junk shops, as well as other commercial units, have been established in the Kudalwadi area. These constructions were over reserved spaces in the development plan of the Municipal Corporation and over planned roads, which were blocking the growth of public facilities. In addition, issues such as recurring fire incidents, pollution and traffic congestion were emerging in this area. Prior to the action of the Municipal Corporation against these illegal constructions, it had served notices to the respective businessmen and ordered them to dismantle the constructions themselves. But most of the businessmen did not heed these orders, which compelled the Municipal Corporation to take direct action.
In mid-December, a small shop was gutted by fire in the vicinity of the Chikhali STP plant in the same area. Especially because the roads were narrow, even the fire brigade trucks could not go there. Consequently, owing to the explosion of oxygen LPG cylinders in the warehouses and the congestion of numerous scrap shops and warehouses in that area, 14 to 15 shops were gutted in this fire. Another accident also took place. It also inflicted huge damage.
The same question was also brought up by the local BJP MLA in the assembly session. Meanwhile, as Bangladeshis and Rohingyas also reside there in large numbers, the call for action against them also began gaining strength. Considering all these factors, the state government has directed action there. In this, within a three-day operation, a total of 1,511 illegal constructions and stone sheds on a plot of 276 acres were demolished. The total plot of which was 1 crore 20 lakh 72 thousand square feet. This operation is the largest operation in the history of Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation.
Residents of Chikhali area used face huge issue of the traffic all the day due to this illegal scrap business spread at larger area at Kudalwadi.
Why and for what purpose?
Around 16 excavators, 8 bulldozers, 1 crane, and 4 cutters were employed to act on the Kudalwadi case. 600 police personnel, 180 Maharashtra Security Force personnel, and municipal officials and employees have been involved in this. Local businessmen have protested against this action by blocking the Dehu-Alandi road. But the action is still in progress.
There are lots of reasons provided to take action. Unauthorised constructions have taken place in this region for years. Because of lots of junk shops and warehouses, the roads also get jammed. Not only does this create a problem for the local people, but the people who come and go on that road suffered a great deal. The people were concerned because of pollution, regular fire issues, and traffic jams.
Unauthorized constructions have encroached on roads, parks, and other public facilities in the development plan. This is hindering the planned development of the city. Therefore, action was necessary in the public interest, said Municipal Commissioner Shekhar Singh. But some people are now trying to give this action a religious color.
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