Pune: Former Rajya Sabha MP Vandana Chavan has demanded that the civic body intervene in the ongoing illegal hill cutting and unauthorised development across multiple locations in the city.Chavan said severe violations of statutory provisions, govt notifications and environmental safeguards governing Pune’s hill slopes and natural ecosystems were being observed at various locations.She, along with a delegation of affected citizens, submitted a memorandum to Pune mayor Manjusha Nagpure on Monday.In the memorandum, Chavan stated that Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) must look into localities of DP Road near Baner Hill; Bibwewadi (Survey No. 579, opposite Gangadham); ARAI/Sutardara; Kolwadi, Jambhulwadi near Navale bridge, Gujarwadi, Nimbalkarwadi, Mangdewadi and Bhilarwadi areas around Katraj; near Khadi Machine, Yeolewadi and Tilekarnagar around Kondhwa; and along Sinhagad Road in Hingne Khurd.Residents living near these hills have raised concerns about illegal hill cutting, noting that legal provisions explicitly empower and obligate authorities to act.“Sometimes, action brings the work to a temporary halt. However, after a few days, especially during holidays, the work resumes at an even faster pace. It is evident that such temporary measures have no preventive effect,” said a resident.The letter further stated that various provisions of a PMC order on monitoring encroachments, the May 2016 govt notification mandating high-resolution satellite imagery monitoring and Section 56A of the MRTP Act, 1966 should be used for action against illegal hill cutting.The provision of the Maharashtra Regional and Town Planning Act (MRTP), 1966, imposes personal criminal liability, including imprisonment for up to three months, a fine of up to Rs 20,000, or both, on designated officers who fail to act against unauthorised development.“The administration must ensure that steps like an on-site inspection, punitive action against violators and a clear status report detailing existing permissions and prior complaints should be taken. Authorities need to fix accountability on responsible designated officers and establish a continuous monitoring mechanism to prevent illegal activities from resuming after temporary stoppages,” said Chavan.A civic official said PMC has issued notices to private developers in Kothrud.“It was seen that digging on the hill was being carried out using JCB, Poclain. It should be stopped; otherwise, legal action will be initiated,” read the notice issued by PMC to a private developer.
