PCMC ignores illegal constructions on rivers’ banks: Activists

PUNE: Environment activists said Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) is turning a blind eye to illegal construction and dumping in the flood line areas in the twin city.
They also said that big structures, like bungalows and multi-storey buildings, had been constructed in the blue line areas within PCMC limits. The areas became colonies over a period of time, but the civic body took no action.
The statements followed the Bombay high court’s remark on faulty demarcation of flood lines in Pune.Three rivers — Indrayani, Pavana and Mula — flow through PCMC limits.
Green Army’s Prashant Raul told TOI, “PCMC not only provides water, electricity and other facilities to the illegal establishments in the blue flood line, but collects taxes from them. They know fully well these structures are illegal.”
Raul said many areas with illegal constructions had become colonies. People had even constructed religious structures and civic officials avoided taking action to not hurt public sentiments.
PCMC additional municipal commissioner Pradeep Jambhale Patil told TOI the civic body planned to conduct a survey to pinpoint structures constructed in Pavana river’s flood line. “We demolished several newly constructed and under-construction houses along Indrayani river in a recent action. There is a proposal to raze around 20 more houses there. But we are awaiting a final verdict to initiate action, since the matter related to the said establishments is pending with the National Green Tribunal (NGT),” he said.
Patil said PCMC had thought of cutting water connections to the illegal establishments, but court guidelines said water is an essential commodity and the civic body cannot deny its supply to people. “We had received complaints regarding construction and demolition material being dumped along the Mula river, following which the environment department was instructed to form squads and action was taken against violators,” he said.
Activist Pushkar Kulkarni said, “Considering events like intense rain in a short period, the current demarcation may also prove ineffective. It is important for PCMC to take action against illegal establishments in flood lines to ensure rivers do not change their flow due to obstruction.”
Meanwhile, the Pimpri Chinchwad police on Wednesday arrested six people for dumping material in Pavana river between March and June.