Pune: The Alandi Municipal Council (AMC) recently launched a special anti-encroachment drive along the busy Pune–Alandi Road aimed at easing traffic congestion.The drive was carried out from Dehu Phata to Kale Colony, targeting unauthorized structures that had occupied public spaces and obstructed traffic movement.According to AMC chief officer Madhav Khandekar, the drive focused on removing illegal banners, hoardings, advertisement boards, roadside stalls, hawkers and encroachments on plots that have been transferred to the municipal council.“The objective is to ensure that citizens can use roads, footpaths and civic amenities without obstruction. Encroachments had not only narrowed road space but were also creating safety hazards and contributing to traffic bottlenecks. The municipality is committed to maintaining a clean, orderly and secure urban environment,” Khandekar said.Municipal officials stated that the action was undertaken as part of a broader effort to streamline traffic management along one of the region’s busiest pilgrimage routes. The drive witnessed 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, said the removal of encroachments would significantly improve traffic flow on the stretch. “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,” he said.Several residents welcomed the initiative and urged authorities to continue the campaign on a regular basis. “The carriageway had become narrow on this stretch significantly because of stalls and signboards. People, especially senior citizens, were forced to walk on the road. The action was long overdue,” said local resident Sunita Jadhav.Another resident, Prakash More, said recurring encroachments had become a major concern. “The roads are now visibly wider and cleaner. However, authorities must ensure that removed encroachments do not return after a few weeks,” he said.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 said anti-encroachment operations would continue in other parts of the town as part of an ongoing effort to improve traffic discipline and public convenience.
