Unauthorized Structure on Pune's Baner Hills Defies Demolition Order for Over Five Years
An allegedly unauthorized reinforced cement concrete (RCC) structure on Baner Hills in Pune continues to stand more than five years after the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) issued a demolition notice. This persistent issue has sparked renewed concerns from residents and environmental groups about delayed enforcement and potential safety risks in the area.
PMC's 2020 Demolition Directive Ignored
A PMC notice dated December 2020 ordered the demolition of the structure after officials discovered RCC construction on land in survey number 49. This area is specifically reserved as a biodiversity park (BDP), making the construction particularly problematic. The notice clearly stated that the work had been carried out without civic approval and directed the occupants to remove the structure within 30 days. It warned that failure to comply could lead to legal action under the Maharashtra Regional and Town Planning Act.
Despite this clear directive, the structure, which houses a statue, remains completely intact. The citizens' collective Save Pune Hills revealed that the issue first came to light during the Covid-19 lockdown period when ground monitoring was significantly limited. Since that time, members have repeatedly taken up the matter with various authorities, seeking action against what they view as a clear violation of environmental protections.
Residents Voice Safety and Environmental Concerns
Pushkar Kulkarni of Save Pune Hills explained that residents have been raising this issue for several years and have written to multiple authorities about their concerns. "This encroachment has been happening gradually over the past decade or more, and citizens have repeatedly followed up with various offices seeking action," he stated. Kulkarni added that the group believes the prolonged delay reflects significant gaps in enforcement mechanisms within the municipal system.
Sagar Samel, a resident and group member, emphasized the specific dangers posed by the structure's location. "The hill was part of a protected biodiversity zone located above a busy highway. There are serious safety and environmental concerns. The structure stands close to a high-traffic road, and people worry about the potential consequences if it ever collapses," he explained. Samel noted that several reminders have been sent to authorities over the years, yet the structure remains.
Ecological Importance and Legal Complications
Residents have consistently pointed to the ecological importance of Baner Hills, emphasizing that such biodiversity park reservations were specifically created to protect green cover, water aquifers, and natural habitats from encroachment and development. The unauthorized construction directly threatens these environmental protections that were established for the region's long-term ecological health.
A PMC official addressed the situation by explaining that the matter is now tied to ongoing court proceedings. "The case is before the Bombay High Court after the builders of the structure challenged the demolition notice. Since it is sub judice, additional information cannot be disclosed at this time," the official stated. This legal complication has created a significant barrier to resolving the issue promptly.
Activists Demand Clarity and Action
Environmental activists have urged the civic body to clarify the status of the court case and take concrete steps to address this long-pending issue. They argue that the extended delay has raised wider concerns about the protection of Pune's hill areas and biodiversity park zones, potentially setting a dangerous precedent for future encroachments.
The situation highlights broader challenges in urban environmental governance, where legal processes can sometimes hinder timely action against unauthorized constructions in ecologically sensitive areas. As the structure continues to stand despite the 2020 demolition order, residents remain vigilant about both the immediate safety risks and the long-term implications for Pune's protected natural spaces.
