Pune: The civic body has issued notices to more than 20,000 illegal constructions over the past five years, revealed data shared with the general body in response to queries from elected members regarding illegal constructions and the action taken against them.Activists and citizens, however, claimed that the notices have become a mere formality, as unauthorised constructions continue to proliferate despite repeated enforcement drives.“The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) regularly carries out action against illegal constructions. The drives have been conducted not only in the old city areas but also in the newly merged areas. The administration has also been creating awareness and urging people not to undertake illegal construction,” said Aniruddha Pawaskar, city engineer, PMC.According to the civic body’s reply, 20,475 notices were issued under the Maharashtra Regional and Town Planning (MRTP) Act and the Municipal Corporation Act between 2020-21 and 2025-26. The number of notices rose from 763 in 2020-21 to 3,985 in 2021-22 and 4,088 in 2022-23. It stood at 3,826 in 2023-24 and 3,395 in 2024-25, before reaching the highest figure of 4,418 in 2025-26.However, the administration admitted that it does not maintain separate records showing how many structures were completely demolished after notices were issued, how many were partially demolished, or in how many cases sealing action was taken.“The administration should ensure that action is taken against such illegal constructions and that they are demolished in accordance with the law. They are not doing justice to their responsibilities; it is all just public statements,” said Vijay Kumbhar of Surajya Sangharsh Samiti, a civic group.Replying to the cost of demolition drives, the administration said it has spent nearly Rs 10 crore over the past six years on demolishing unauthorised constructions. Although the civic body is expected to recover these expenses from violators, it has failed to do so.“Residents, particularly in the merged and the peth areas, claim that illegal constructions continue unabated. They not only spoil the city’s landscape but also pose a safety risk, especially during the monsoon,” said Mitali Mahajan, a resident of Ambegaon.
