In the wake of a tragic accident caused by a 17-year-old under the influence of alcohol, which resulted in the deaths of two motorbike riders, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has initiated a citywide crackdown on illegal pubs and bars. On May 22, the PMC demolished two prominent pubs, Waters and Orilla, in Koregaon Park, a move intended to address unauthorised expansions and ensure compliance with building codes.
The demolition of Waters and Orilla is part of a broader campaign against unauthorized structures in Pune. On the same day, similar actions were taken in Vimannagar, while on May 21, the focus was on two rooftop establishments in Kharadi. The ongoing drive targets illegal constructions in various parts of Pune, including Mundhwa, Kalyaninagar, Vimannagar, and Koregaon Park, areas known for their high concentration of hotels, restaurants, pubs, and rooftop establishments.
Maharashtra: The Pune Municipal Corporation has initiated Bulldozer action against illegally constructed pubs and bars in the upscale Koregaon Park area after the Pune Porsche accident.
The area is said to have many illegally operating pubspic.twitter.com/lBnkp5EGUZ
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The PMC also targeted several hotels and restaurants in Kalyaninagar for not adhering to front and side margin regulations. The drive aims to enforce building codes and ensure all establishments operate within legal boundaries.
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The crackdown follows a tragic incident where a 17-year-old, after consuming alcohol, drove a Porsche and fatally struck two young techies, Anish Awadhiya and Ashwini Koshta. The incident prompted PMC Commissioner Rajendra Bhosale to initiate a review of bars and restaurants with unauthorized structures.
On May 21, the state excise department sealed Cosie and Blak, two restaurants-cum-pubs in Mundhwa and Koregaon Park, for serving alcohol to the minor involved in the fatal accident. The district collector ordered this action in response to alleged legal violations. The teenager reportedly spent Rs 48,000 at these establishments shortly before the accident.
The PMC’s anti-encroachment department has been actively inspecting and demolishing illegal structures across the city. On Wednesday, the PMC demolished two rooftop restaurants in Kharadi, Tyk Tyk and Quarter, which were found to be operating without proper permissions and safety compliance. The crackdown extended to areas like Vimannagar and Kalyaninagar, where establishments violated various regulations.
Community leaders and residents have expressed mixed reactions to the crackdown. Monica Sharma from Team Swachh Kalyani Nagar stated, “Today, PMC is undertaking the demolition of encroaching pubs after the tragic death of two youngsters. This is just a temporary measure. What about the completely illegal pubs operating on rooftops and in residential complexes? We need permanent solutions, not superficial actions.”
The Maharashtra Transport Department has taken additional measures, barring the teen involved in the accident from obtaining a driving license until he turns 25. The department noted that the registration of the Porsche Taycan has been pending since March due to the non-payment of fees. The Pune Police have arrested the father of the 17-year-old and four executives from the restaurants for serving liquor to the minor.
In response to the incident, the excise department has started a special inspection drive to ensure that pubs and restaurants do not serve liquor to underage patrons and adhere to the 1:30 am closing time. “If any violations are found, cases will be registered against such establishments, and their licenses will be canceled,” said a statement from the department.
The incident has sparked nationwide outrage, especially after the Juvenile Justice Board granted bail to the teenager on the same day, with a requirement to write an essay on road safety. This decision faced widespread criticism, leading to further action against those involved and stricter enforcement of regulations.
