Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has proposed a new policy aimed at curbing the growing encroachment issue in the city by transferring encroachment inspectors and assistant encroachment inspectors every three months. The proposal has been forwarded to the Additional Commissioner and the Commissioner for final approval.

Encroachments on major roads, footpaths, and public spaces have become rampant across Pune, including in central and suburban areas.

Open spaces on roads and pedestrian pathways are being rapidly occupied by various businesses, particularly food stalls, which not only disrupt public order but also severely affect traffic flow. Reserved parking spaces are also being misused, leading to congestion and difficulties for citizens.

Last month, Union Minister of State Murlidhar Mohol, during a meeting at the PMC, emphasized the need for immediate action to clear roads and footpaths of encroachments.

He instructed the municipal authorities to ensure that citizens have safe and unobstructed paths to walk, and to carry out enforcement actions regardless of political pressures.

In response, the PMC launched a vigorous crackdown on encroachments for a week. However, enforcement activities have since waned, allowing encroachments to resurface and, in many cases, become even more entrenched.

The prolonged tenure of encroachment inspectors and assistant encroachment inspectors in the same regional offices has been identified as a significant factor in the lack of consistent action against encroachments.

Many of these employees have formed vested interests with local businesses, which has led to delays or complete inaction in enforcement. In an effort to address this, the PMC has decided to implement a policy of transferring these inspectors every three months.

The goal is to disrupt any established ties between inspectors and local businesses, thereby ensuring impartial and continuous enforcement against encroachments.

This policy also includes an innovative online transfer system that will automate the transfer process. The Encroachment Department will coordinate with the Computer Department to facilitate these transfers, eliminating the need for manual orders. Once a transfer order is issued, inspectors will be required to report to their new assignments without delay.

According to Somnath Bankar, Deputy Commissioner of the Encroachment Department, "A strategic decision has been made to transfer assistant encroachment inspectors and encroachment inspectors every three months.

This proposal has been submitted for approval by the Additional Commissioner. The decision aims to maintain consistency in enforcement actions and prevent the formation of vested interests among employees."