Introduction:
In Pune, the Municipal Encroachment Department has seized and impounded a total of 535 abandoned vehicles, citing prolonged parking on the city's roads without any owners. Faced with traffic disruptions, garbage dumping, and an unpleasant odor caused by these vehicles, the department had previously appealed to citizens for their removal but received no response. Consequently, the decision was made to initiate an auction for 506 of these impounded vehicles of various types.
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Over the years, the city's main roads, internal roads, and public spaces have been marred by the dust and clutter generated by these abandoned vehicles. Notices were posted during the Ganpati festival, urging owners to claim their vehicles, but after seven days of no response, the vehicles were impounded. In the past year alone, 535 vehicles have been confiscated, prompting the municipal administration to proceed with the auction process.
Owners of impounded vehicles face fines ranging from 5,000 to 10,000 rupees, contributing to the municipal corporation's revenue. However, discussions persist regarding whether the income from the auctioning surpasses the impoundment costs. Once fines are collected, the vehicles are returned to their owners. The Municipal Corporation has conducted two successful rounds of auctions in 2018 and 2022, generating significant revenue for the municipality.
Madhav Jagtap, the Head of the Encroachment Department at PMC, stated that out of the impounded vehicles this year (comprising 345 two-wheelers, 92 three-wheelers, 91 four-wheelers, and 6 six-wheelers), a few have been reclaimed by their original owners. The remaining 506 vehicles are set to be auctioned soon.
In addition to the vehicle issue, the city has been addressing unauthorized hoardings. Of the 2,800 hoardings present, 900 have been removed in the last year, leaving 1,900 with 1,500 licensed. The authorities plan to take action against the remaining 400 unauthorized hoardings in the city, as stated by Commissioner Vikram Kumar.
