In a bold move to reclaim public land and restore law and order, the Maharashtra government has undertaken a large-scale demolition drive, clearing 827 acres of encroached land in Pimpri Chinchwad’s Kudalwadi-Chikhli area. The operation, which targeted 4,111 illegal structures, has exposed a decades-old network of unauthorised settlements, including scrap shops, illegal warehouses, and unauthorised mosques.
The crackdown comes after years of inaction due to alleged political interference, despite multiple warnings and notices issued by the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) and the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC). The area had turned into a lawless zone, with illegal businesses operating openly and reports of growing security threats.
The December 8, 2024, fire in the illegal scrap market was a wake-up call, highlighting the risks posed by unchecked encroachments. Reports suggest that at least 8-10 fire incidents occur annually in the area. Allegations have surfaced that Bangladeshi and Rohingya illegal settlers were running these businesses, raising concerns over national security.
Local reports also indicate that the area has witnessed rising incidents of crime, including land grabbing, traffic congestion, and communal tensions. The illegal settlements had become a hub for criminal activities such as “land jihad”—where encroachers allegedly seize public and private properties—and reported instances of Hindu girls being lured into interfaith relationships under deceitful pretenses. Stone-pelting on Hindu processions and past incidents of harboring individuals linked to terror outfits, such as Indian Mujahideen’s Yasin Bhatkal, further exacerbated security concerns.
The operation has faced pushback from certain political quarters. According to reports, the settlers were allegedly receiving political backing from leaders such as Abu Asim Azmi and Aslam Shaikh. Calls have been made for a National Investigation Agency (NIA) probe into potential terror funding and any links these settlers may have with Pakistan-based terror outfits.
Great News! First ever in Maharashtra @Dev_Fadnavis @CMOMaharashtra Govt courageously cleared off massive 827 acres, 4111 encroachments built over past 30 years which was squatted by #Bangladeshi n #Rohingya illegal migrants including 27 illegal mosques (which are yet to razed!)… pic.twitter.com/yhT89lbCfO
— Legal Rights Observatory- LRO (@LegalLro) February 22, 2025
MLA Mahesh Landge has been vocal about the deteriorating law and order situation, stating that if timely intervention had not taken place, the area could have transformed into a hotbed of criminal activity, endangering women and children.
The demolition was carried out under the leadership of Municipal Commissioner Shekhar Singh and Police Commissioner Vinaykumar Chaube. The operation, spearheaded by the PCMC’s Building Permission and Unauthorised Construction Control Department, was supported by zonal rapid response teams.
Additional Municipal Commissioner Pradeep Jambhale Patil and Deputy Commissioner Manoj Lonkar supervised the execution, with security arrangements led by Additional Police Commissioner Vasant Pardeshi and Deputy Commissioners of Police Swpana Gore, Dr. Shivaji Pawar, Sandeep Doiphode, and Vivek Patil.
The operation involved 600 police officers, 180 Maharashtra Security Force personnel, and several labour staff. Heavy machinery was deployed, including 16 excavators, 8 JCBs, 1 crane, and 4 cutters, ensuring swift action. Firefighting vehicles and ambulances were kept on standby to address any emergencies.
Despite the clearance of illegal settlements, the demolition of 27 unauthorised mosques remains pending. Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has been credited for standing firm against political pressure and ensuring that nearly 900 acres of encroachments were targeted.
The state government has vowed to continue its crackdown on illegal establishments, aiming to reclaim land meant for urban expansion and public amenities. PCMC has emphasised that the area will be repurposed for city development, ensuring better infrastructure and security for the residents of Pimpri Chinchwad.
With increasing calls for a deeper investigation into the funding and political backing of these illegal settlements, Home Minister Amit Shah and the Ministry of Home Affairs are being urged to launch an official probe. The coming months will be crucial in determining the long-term impact of this bold government action on the region’s security and urban planning.
This massive eviction drive in Kudalwadi-Chikhli marks a significant step in reclaiming public land from encroachments that have persisted for over 30 years. While the operation has been largely successful, the challenge now lies in ensuring that the cleared areas are not re-encroached and that law enforcement agencies continue to monitor the region to prevent further illegal settlements.
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