Regularise PCMC's illegal structures, say activists

A group of social activists under the banner of 'Shahar Bachav Samiti' (Save City Committee) has recommended regularisation of the estimated 1.5 lakh unauthorised constructions in the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) area.

The samiti which comprises the Jagruk Nagrik Sanghatana, Swaraj Pratishthan, Nagari Hakka Suraksha Samiti and Rupinagar Nagari Kriti Samiti will be holding its first formal conference on August 25 at Pimpri.

This assumes significance with the Bombay high court (HC) on Wednesday granting an eight-month extension to the PCMC to demolish the 1.5 lakh illegal constructions. The new deadline issued by the HC is March 31, 2012.

The regularisation idea was mooted by the samiti at its meeting held in Mohannagar, Chinchwad on Friday. Social activists Manav Kamble and Suresh Bedi presided over the meeting.

Kamble told DNA, "Political parties are politicising the unauthorised construction issue. There is total chaos among the citizens. Though the HC has extended the period for demolition, we need a permanent solution. We have invited social activists like Medha Patkar, ND Patil and other experts to guide us at the August 25 conference."

Of the 1.5 lakh unauthorised constructions, approximately 20,000 buildings are in the red zone area of the Dehu Road ammunition factory and the Bhosari-Dighi Magazine depot area. The PCMC civic administration has so far issued 30,777 notices to the owners of illegal constructions.