Dukkar Khind hill construction is illegal, allege Punekars

Every municipal corporation has been ordered to implement biodiversity parks as no development zones

Residents living near Dukkar Khind hill in Kothrud have been facing issues due to construction work on the hill. According to residents, a road is being constructed on some parts of the hill. The work is being carried out on the road behind Mahatma Society which connects to the Dehu road-Katraj bypass highway.

What bothers the local residents most is that Dukkar Khind hill is part of the bio diversity park area in the city.(Pratham Gokhale/HT Photo)

Residents allege that the construction work is illegal. In 2017, the Maharashtra government had issued a notification stating that no new construction will be allowed within 100 feet of foothills across the state. Every municipal corporation has been ordered to implement biodiversity parks as no development zones. What bothers the local residents most is that Dukkar Khind hill is part of the bio diversity park area in the city.

Prasad Joshi, secretary of Pramathesh Society, said, “They have entirely flattened one side of the hill, where residents would go for walks. Residents, especially senior citizens and children find it difficult to walk up the hill due to the ongoing construction. The construction work needs to be verified by the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC).”

BN Jawale, president of Pramathesh Society, which is close to the construction spot, said, “The construction work has been going on for a month now. The work begins at 6 am and continues throughout the night. We do not know if the civic body has allowed the construction of the road. However, the construction has affected the biodiversity of the hill and is harming the natural environment.”

Indrabhan Randive, executive engineer, PMC road department, said, “I am not aware of this construction and the issue faced by the residents. I will coordinate with the building department of the PMC and look into the issue.”