BJP MLA Mahesh Landge Takes Clear Stance on Pimpri-Chinchwad Encroachment Drive

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Calls for Relief for Affected Small Entrepreneurs While Supporting Action Against Illegal Businesses

Pimpri-Chinchwad: In a bold and balanced stance, BJP MLA Mahesh Landge has made his position clear regarding the large-scale anti-encroachment drive in the Kudalwadi-Chikhli area. While strongly advocating the action taken against illegal businesses and unauthorized scrap dealers in the interest of environmental conservation and national security, Landge has shown serious concern about the unintended damage inflicted on small entrepreneurs and local landowners. He has promised to bring this matter to the notice of the state government during the upcoming budget session.

Largest Encroachment Drive in India’s History

Mahesh landge expresses his thoughts on Kudalwadi Encroachment
MLA Mahesh Dada Landge expressed his thoughts on Kudalwadi Encroachment

The Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) administration launched one of the largest anti-encroachment operations in India, targeting unauthorized businesses and encroachments that were contributing to pollution, congestion, and lawlessness in the region.

Between February 8 and February 17, 2025, officials cleared 4,111 illegal encroachments, removing structures that covered a staggering 3 crore 60 lakh 58 thousand 746 square feet (approximately 827 acres). This has freed up around 100 acres of municipally owned land, including roads and designated public spaces, which had previously been occupied by illegal businesses. The drive aimed to address critical civic issues such as pollution of the Indrayani River, air and noise pollution, traffic congestion, fire hazards, and rising crime rates. In particular, unauthorized scrap dealers had been accused of contributing to environmental degradation and causing safety concerns. The municipal and police administrations, with the backing of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, executed the drive in a well-coordinated effort to reclaim public land and improve city security. ## MLA Mahesh Landge: Supporting the Drive, Opposing Collateral Damage

MLA Mahesh Landge, who has consistently advocated for strict action against unauthorized businesses in the Kudalwadi-Chikhli area, has voiced his appreciation for the municipal and police authorities. He has expressed gratitude to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis for backing the initiative, reaffirming his commitment to a cleaner and safer Pimpri-Chinchwad.

However, Landge has also taken a strong stand against the indiscriminate impact of the operation on legitimate small entrepreneurs and landowners. According to him, while action against illegal businesses was necessary, a sweeping crackdown without differentiation has unfairly affected 559 small-scale business owners and “sons of the soil” (local landowners). He has promised to raise their concerns with the state government during the upcoming budget session to seek appropriate relief and justice.

“We have always stood for action against illegal scrap dealers and unauthorized businesses that pollute the Indrayani River and create security risks for the city. However, the administration’s blanket approach has also harmed local entrepreneurs and rightful landowners, which we cannot support. We will take this matter to the government and seek a resolution,” stated Landge.

A Strategic Silence Until Now

In a revealing statement, Landge clarified why he and his supporters had initially avoided making public comments on the issue.

Given the scale of the action and its potential for law and order disruptions or religious tensions, it was decided that they would cooperate with the administration without expressing views on social media or in public forums.

However, now that the operation has concluded, Landge has taken a firm stance and made his position clear. He explained that while the intent of the drive was commendable, its execution lacked the necessary sensitivity towards genuine, legal businesses and local residents who were unfairly affected. Now, his focus is on ensuring justice for them while continuing to support lawful governance and environmental conservation. ## The Road Ahead: Seeking Government Intervention

With the municipal administration having completed the largest anti-encroachment action in India’s history, the focus now shifts to rehabilitation and compensation for those impacted unfairly. MLA Landge’s assurance of intervention at the state level is expected to provide a glimmer of hope to the affected entrepreneurs.

Observers believe that this issue could take center stage in the budget session discussions, with potential policy measures or relief schemes being introduced to mitigate the economic losses suffered by local businesses. At the same time, authorities are likely to continue vigilance against illegal encroachments to ensure that cleared areas do not get reoccupied.

Public Reactions and Political Implications

The large-scale demolition drive has sparked mixed reactions among residents, business owners, and political analysts.

  • Environmental activists and urban planners have welcomed the move, stating that it was necessary to tackle pollution and restore law and order in the area.
  • Small business owners and local landowners who faced losses are voicing concerns, urging authorities to offer rehabilitation measures.
  • Political analysts are viewing Mahesh Landge’s stance as a calculated move to balance governance with social responsibility, ensuring that while illegal encroachments are removed, genuine stakeholders are not unfairly punished.
    In Pimpri-Chinchwad, which has long been a rapidly urbanizing hub, the challenge lies in striking a balance between development, environmental conservation, and economic stability for small businesses.

A Delicate Balance Between Law and Justice

BJP MLA Mahesh Landge’s position on the Pimpri-Chinchwad encroachment drive reflects a nuanced and balanced approach to governance. By supporting strict action against illegal businesses while advocating for relief for affected small entrepreneurs, he has emerged as a leader who prioritizes both law enforcement and social justice.

As the matter heads to the state budget session, all eyes will be on the government’s response. Will there be relief for the affected business owners? Will the administration take corrective measures to prevent similar blanket actions in the future?

For now, Mahesh Landge has made his stand clear—he supports the law, but not at the cost of injustice to rightful business owners. And in a city as dynamic as Pimpri-Chinchwad, this stance could shape the future of urban governance in Maharashtra.

Read more about Kudalwadi Encroachment

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