Pune: The removal of encroachments on the Pune-Nashik Highway, Chakan-Shikrapur, and Chakan-Talegaon roads is being hampered by the electric poles and transformers of the power company, as well as the municipal streetlight poles.
Despite efforts to clear encroachments, these structures remain significant obstacles, causing frustration among citizens who question the inefficiencies of the power company.
The encroachers are benefiting from this situation as all these electric poles and transformers are encroaching on government land. Removing these encroachments is estimated to cost around 44 lakh rupees.
Once the electric poles and transformers are removed, the road will be clear, and citizens are demanding that the relevant department complete the roadwork promptly.
The removal of encroachments on the Pune-Nashik Highway, Chakan-Shikrapur, and Chakan-Talegaon roads within the municipal limits of Chakan and the village panchayats of Nanekarwadi and Medankarwadi is being carried out vigorously in the presence of NHAI officials, municipal officers, and village development officers.
Temporary structures, sheds, and other encroachments are currently being removed, with some construction platforms also being demolished.
However, as these encroachments are being removed, the electric poles and transformers remain in the encroached areas, benefiting the encroachers. Many buildings, homes, and commercial projects have electric poles and transformers in front of them.
Citizens allege that encroachers have deliberately placed these transformers and poles in front of their encroachments, leading to significant encroachment.
After the encroachment removal, it is crucial to remove these electric poles and transformers. An estimated cost of around 44 lakh rupees is expected to remove these transformers and poles. MLA Dilip Mohite has informed the power distribution company officials.
The power company has sent a proposal, and once the funds are available, the transformers and poles will be removed promptly, according to MLA Dilip Mohite.
The road expansion in the encroached areas will only happen after the power company relocates the electric poles and transformers. Therefore, there is a demand to quickly relocate these poles and transformers and expand the road.
Citizens are questioning who will be responsible if encroachments reoccur in the cleared areas without prompt road construction.
Power company officials are responsible for allowing many to encroach on government land along every road in Chakan. After large buildings were constructed, transformers and poles were installed along the roadside in front of them.
Citizens allege that some power company officials and certain businessmen have made financial settlements to place these transformers. The government machinery cannot fully remove encroachments, as the transformers and poles are obstacles.
Businessmen deliberately placed these transformers and poles in front of their buildings and sheds to avoid encroachment action. Citizens blame the power distribution company officials and employees for this issue.
