The Maharashtra government has launched a major demolition drive to reclaim public land and restore law and order. In Pimpri Chinchwad's Kudalwadi-Chikhli area, authorities cleared 827 acres of encroached land, removing 4,111 illegal structures. This action has uncovered a long-standing network of unauthorised settlements, including scrap shops, illegal warehouses, and unauthorised mosques.

Authorities have finally taken action after years of delay, reportedly due to political interference, despite multiple warnings and notices from the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) and the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC). The area had become lawless, with illegal businesses operating freely and security concerns on the rise. A major fire broke out in the illegal scrap market on December 8, 2024, serving as a wake-up call about the dangers posed by unchecked encroachments. Reports indicate that 8-10 fire incidents occur in the area every year. Allegations suggest that Bangladeshi and Rohingya illegal settlers were running these businesses, raising national security concerns.

Local reports also highlight an increase in crime, including land grabbing, traffic congestion, and communal tensions. The illegal settlements had become hotspots for criminal activities, such as land encroachment and reported cases of Hindu girls being deceived into interfaith relationships. There have also been incidents of stone-pelting on Hindu processions and past cases of individuals linked to terror groups, including Indian Mujahideen's Yasin Bhatkal, finding refuge in the area. The operation has faced resistance from some political groups.

Reports suggest that the settlers may have had political support from leaders like Abu Asim Azmi and Aslam Shaikh. There have been demands for a National Investigation Agency (NIA) probe to investigate possible terror funding and any connections these settlers might have with Pakistan-based terror organizations.

MLA Mahesh Landge has raised concerns about the worsening law and order situation, saying that without timely action, the area could have become a hub for criminal activities, putting women and children at risk. The demolition was led by Municipal Commissioner Shekhar Singh and Police Commissioner Vinaykumar Chaube. The operation was carried out by the PCMC's Building Permission and Unauthorised Construction Control Department, with support from zonal rapid response teams. Additional Municipal Commissioner Pradeep Jambhale Patil and Deputy Commissioner Manoj Lonkar oversaw the execution, while security arrangements were managed by Additional Police Commissioner Vasant Pardeshi, along with Deputy Commissioners of Police Swpana Gore, Dr Shivaji Pawar, Sandeep Doiphode, and Vivek Patil.

The operation was carried out with the support of 600 police officers, 180 Maharashtra Security Force personnel, and several labourers. To ensure quick execution, heavy machinery was used, including 16 excavators, 8 JCBs, 1 crane and 4 cutters. Fire trucks and ambulances were also kept ready in case of emergencies.

Despite clearing illegal settlements, the demolition of 27 unauthorised mosques is still pending. Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has been praised for resisting political pressure and ensuring that encroachments covering nearly 900 acres were removed. The state government has promised to continue its action against illegal structures to reclaim land meant for city expansion and public facilities.

The Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) has stated that the recovered land will be used for city development, improving infrastructure and security for residents. There are growing demands for a thorough investigation into the funding and political support behind these illegal settlements. Home Minister Amit Shah and the Ministry of Home Affairs are being urged to launch an official inquiry. The next few months will be crucial in shaping the long-term effects of this strong government action on security and urban planning in the region.

The large-scale eviction drive in Kudalwadi-Chikhli is a major step in reclaiming public land that has been encroached upon for over 30 years. While the operation has been mostly successful, the real challenge now is to ensure that the cleared land is not taken over again. Law enforcement agencies must remain vigilant to prevent further illegal settlements in the future.