Curation Team
PUNE: Camp residents expressed serious concerns about the dilapidated structures in their area, blaming the Pune Cantonment Board for lack of action to repair these.
For years, these buildings have been in a precarious condition. A section of residents claimed that these structures needed urgent repairs to avoid potential disasters. Activists and long-time residents of the Camp criticised the cantonment authorities for their inaction.
James Paul, former President of the Pune Cantonment Tenants’ Association, said, “Every monsoon, the board issues notices to property owners and publishes public notices advising them to take precautions. This is a lethargic attitude. We urged the cantonment board to take concrete measures to demolish these structures for public safety, but nothing was done over the years.”
MB Sable, the executive engineer of the PCB, did not respond to TOI’s phone calls and messages.
The dilapidated properties are primarily located in the core areas of the Camp, particularly along Dastur Meher Road, Sachapir Street, Bacchu Adda, Old Modikhana, and various lanes and bylanes. The buildings, many constructed using mud, mortar and wood, pose risk not only to residents but also to commuters.
According to a 2021 survey by the Pune Cantonment Board (PCB), there were over 100 dangerous properties in its jurisdiction. The officials stated that the number had now been reduced to approximately 60-70 properties, as owners redeveloped some of these after obtaining statutory sanction from the board.
Priyanka Shirgiri, former vice-president of the PCB, said, “Very few of these structures underwent redevelopment, and only a handful received temporary repairs. The majority remain in extremely hazardous conditions.”
Cantonment officials blamed the dispute between property owners and tenants for little or no action. They claimed that tenant opposition was a significant barrier to necessary repairs and redevelopment.
The officials pointed out that tenants often paid extremely low rents — ranging from Rs2 to Rs10 per month — under old regulations. “Once these structures are redeveloped, tenants would have to pay rents based on current market values, which is why they resist any redevelopment efforts. As a result, the cantonment board is unable to take action,” said a senior official from the engineering department.
Atul Gaikwad, an old resident of Camp and former member of the PCB, had pursued the issue with the board for years. He said, “The PCB doesn’t work on the ground. No measure was taken to address this issue. Residents like me, who have been living in the cantonment for five decades, are worried about the pathetic situation.”
