Pimpri: The Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) has initiated plans to demolish unauthorized constructions, homes, and shops located along the blue flood lines of the Mula, Pavana, and Indrayani rivers.
This decision has faced significant opposition from local residents, prompting the Blue Flood Line Protection Committee to demand a halt to the demolitions and the construction of protective walls along the rivers.
Prior to this meeting, affected residents displayed a banner at Sangam Nagar Chowk, stating, "If you demolish our houses, we will topple your government," in an effort to draw the government's attention to their plight.
Despite the residents' protests, the administration has remained resolute, continuing the survey of the affected constructions. Notices have already been issued by the land acquisition department concerning properties impacted by the blue flood lines and road widening efforts.
The recently completed Sangvi-Bopodi bridge is set to open for traffic following beautification efforts, which will necessitate further widening of the road along the Mula river, raising additional concerns among local residents.
In a proactive response, the Blue Flood Line Protection Committee has formed various sub-committees following a meeting with affected residents. Among these is a youth committee comprising 60 members, led by Rupesh Yadav as president. Additionally, a senior advisory committee has been established, including retired ACP Appasaheb Shewale as president.
A general meeting held for approximately 600 families in the Mula riverbank and Sangam Nagar area attracted around 3,000 attendees, highlighting the community's commitment to defending their homes. With an estimated population of 4,000 in the area, the committee is determined to halt the actions against the approximately 200,000 homes located in the blue flood line zone.
The committee has scheduled future outreach efforts, with members visiting neighboring communities to help establish further committees. Each week, two new committees are set to be appointed.
On October 2, members will receive blue shirts adorned with the slogan "Drown the Cruel Government in the Blue Flood Tsunami," aimed at raising awareness for their cause.
Both committees have reached out to the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister via email, requesting a stay on the demolitions. In addition, a fundraising effort has successfully gathered three lakh rupees to support the purchase of banners and one thousand blue T-shirts.
Weekly committee meetings are set to be held every Saturday, and 500 protest letters will be mailed to government officials each week.
“We demand that constructions along the flood lines should not be demolished. We urge the administration and the government to consider the residents’ concerns,” emphasized Sujata Nikam, vice president of the Blue Flood Line Protection Committee
