Pune: In response to a recent accident in Kalyani Nagar involving a luxury Porsche driven by an intoxicated minor, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has intensified its crackdown on unauthorized rooftop and ground-floor restaurants and pubs.

Over the past month, the PMC has demolished 360,000 square feet of illegal constructions, targeting 85 rooftop and 55 ground-floor establishments.

Despite prior notifications to Pune police about 89 unauthorized rooftops, no action was taken until the PMC intervened. The municipal authority has since completed enforcement at 85 locations and demolished unauthorized constructions at 59 ground-floor hotels. Multiple complaints against recurring offenders have resulted in charges against 21 individuals.

The surge in rooftop hotels has been notable in areas like Baner, Balewadi, Kothrud, Kharadi, Wadgaon Sheri, Deccan Gymkhana, Shivajinagar, Koregaon Park, Hadapsar, Bibwewadi, Mohammadwadi, and Sinhagad Road.

Despite the unauthorized nature of these establishments, they have been receiving liquor licenses from the state excise department, contributing to disturbances and traffic congestion in residential neighborhoods.

"The PMC has taken action against 144 unauthorized rooftop hotels and restaurants, demolishing 360,000 square feet of illegal construction. We will issue notices and take action against any internal changes made without prior permission. It is imperative to obtain permission before making changes, rather than seeking approval afterward," stated Dr. Rajendra Bhosale, Commissioner of PMC.

Meanwhile, a recent Right to Information (RTI) request aimed at obtaining details from the city police about the number of authorized pubs and discotheques has revealed that only 23 such establishments in the city are legally sanctioned.

Advocate Sameer Shaikh, a criminal lawyer practicing at Shivajinagar court, filed the RTI on June 3, asking for the addresses and owners' names of these authorized venues. The information was provided to him on June 25.