Special Correspondent
Pune: Illegal encroachments are rapidly expanding across government and grazing lands in 34 villages recently incorporated into the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), hindering critical public development projects. These densely populated areas are now facing significant challenges in upgrading infrastructure and providing essential services.
Activists and local residents are calling for immediate legal action to clear unauthorized constructions, warning of potential protests if urgent measures are not taken. Social activist Dhananjay Benkar, together with concerned citizens, has submitted a memorandum to Pune District Collector Suhas Divase, urging decisive action to reclaim these illegally occupied lands. The memorandum outlines the severe consequences of encroachments, which are obstructing public infrastructure growth, harming the environment, and complicating law enforcement efforts.
Reports indicate that large portions of government and grazing lands in areas such as Dhayari, Narhe, Ambegaon, Phursungi, Kirkatwadi, Khadakwasla, and Nandoshi have been illegally seized by local landowners and individuals with criminal ties. These lands are being illegally converted into commercial properties, including unauthorized shops, liquor stores, cattle sheds, institutions, temples, and rental halls. Some of these properties are being leased, adding complexity to the issue.
The unchecked expansion of these settlements has also resulted in deforestation, further exacerbating the city’s fragile ecological balance. Trees are being cut down indiscriminately, contributing to long-term environmental damage.
Benkar emphasized the severity of the situation, stating, “Illegal encroachments on government land not only put public infrastructure at risk but also damage the environment and law enforcement efforts. Without immediate action, we will face a shortage of space for essential development.”
The activists are particularly concerned about the fraudulent methods employed by encroachers to legitimize their actions. Benkar claims that many have forged documents to falsely assert ownership, securing illegal registration in government records. This has made it challenging to distinguish between legitimate landowners and illegal occupants.
Another pressing concern is the unauthorized access to utilities. Encroachers have reportedly obtained illegal electricity connections, with allegations that the Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL) has failed to address the issue. Activists are calling for immediate disconnection of these illegal power supplies, warning that continued inaction could lead to legal repercussions for those facilitating these unauthorized connections.
Benkar has also raised concerns about the involvement of certain government officials, accusing them of accepting bribes and allowing encroachers to maintain control over valuable lands. He cautioned that if these encroachments continue unchecked, the government will face significant challenges in recovering these lands in the future.
To prevent further encroachments, activists and local residents have urged the administration to implement stronger protective measures. These include conducting detailed land surveys, clearly demarcating government-owned and grazing lands, erecting fences around vulnerable areas, and ensuring accurate records of legitimate property owners.
