The Alandi Municipal Council (AMC) recently initiated a special anti-encroachment operation along the heavily trafficked Pune–Alandi Road, with the primary goal of alleviating traffic congestion. This drive was executed on the stretch from Dehu Phata to Kale Colony, focusing on the removal of unauthorized structures that had encroached upon public spaces and impeded vehicular movement.
Details of the Drive
According to AMC chief officer Madhav Khandekar, the operation specifically targeted illegal banners, hoardings, advertisement boards, roadside stalls, hawkers, and encroachments on plots that have been transferred to the municipal council. Khandekar emphasized that the objective is to ensure citizens can use roads, footpaths, and civic amenities without obstruction. He noted that encroachments had not only narrowed road space but also created safety hazards and contributed to traffic bottlenecks. The municipality is committed to maintaining a clean, orderly, and secure urban environment.
Broader Traffic Management Efforts
Municipal officials stated that this action is part of a larger initiative to streamline traffic management along one of the region's busiest pilgrimage routes. The drive involved the deployment of civic staff, machinery, and police personnel to ensure smooth execution. Vinod Patil, police inspector and head of the Dighi-Alandi traffic branch, highlighted that the removal of encroachments would significantly improve traffic flow on the stretch. He explained that unauthorized stalls and structures often force pedestrians onto the carriageway and reduce road width available to vehicles. Their removal will enhance road safety, particularly during peak hours and festival seasons when traffic volume increases substantially.
Public Response
Several residents welcomed the initiative and urged authorities to continue the campaign on a regular basis. Local resident Sunita Jadhav remarked that the carriageway had become significantly narrow due to stalls and signboards, forcing people, especially senior citizens, to walk on the road. She described the action as long overdue. Another resident, Prakash More, noted that recurring encroachments had become a major concern. He observed that the roads are now visibly wider and cleaner but stressed that authorities must ensure removed encroachments do not return after a few weeks.
Appeal and Future Actions
The municipal council has appealed to citizens, traders, and commercial establishments to comply with civic regulations and avoid any form of unauthorized occupation of public land. Officials warned that strict administrative action would be taken against those violating municipal rules. Authorities confirmed that anti-encroachment operations would continue in other parts of the town as part of an ongoing effort to improve traffic discipline and public convenience.
