Pune: PMC Recovers Penalty from Builder After Year-Long Follow-Up for Illegal Road Digging

Pune, 3rd September 2024: The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) issued a notice to a builder for digging roads without permission. However, it took PMC over a year to recover the penalty from the builder. After follow-ups, the builder deposited Rs. 3 crore 10 lakh into the PMC’s lockers.

In Pune, roads are often excavated for laying water pipes, sewage pipes, gas pipes, electricity pipes, and internet cables. Private companies charge Rs. 12,192 per meter for these services, while government and semi-government organizations receive a 50% discount. For Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL), the rate is approximately Rs. 2,300 per meter.

In Kharadi, a builder had started digging roads to supply electricity to a construction project. When investigated, it was revealed that the PMC had not granted permission for this excavation. Bharat Surana complained to the PMC’s Road Department and demanded action in May 2023. PMC issued a notice to the builder in July 2023, ordering payment of Rs. 3.10 crore, which includes a fine multiplied by three times, for digging an 850-meter stretch of road without permission. The amount was only collected last week.

Surana noted that it took a year of follow-ups to ensure the payment was made. Aniruddha Pawaskar, Chief Engineer of the Road Department, confirmed that the builder was issued a notice for unauthorized road excavation and that Rs. 3.10 Crore, has been recovered.