In compliance with orders from the Nagpur Bench of the Bombay High Court, the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) on Thursday began demolishing unauthorized constructions inside Poonam Chambers, a multi-storey commercial building situated on Chhindwara Road. The operation was conducted amid heavy police deployment to prevent any untoward incidents.
Civic officials said the action targeted nearly 70 illegal structures within the premises, beginning with unauthorized developments in the basement area. Prior to the drive, the Enforcement Department and the Mangalwari Zone office had served notices to shop occupants, directing them to vacate their units by February 4.
The demolition follows court proceedings in a writ petition where, on November 28, 2025, the High Court had directed the non-applicant, Nandkumar Harichandani, to personally present sanctioned building plans and ownership-related documents. He, however, failed to appear at the December 4, 2025 hearing and did not furnish the required documents to the authorities.
Consequently, the civic body issued notices under Section 53(1) of the Maharashtra Regional and Town Planning (MRTP) Act, 1966. A final order dated January 20 gave a 15-day deadline to remove the illegal constructions. With no compliance, the NMC announced that premises must be vacated by February 4 and demolition would commence the next day.
The operation began around 10:30 am under the guidance of Deputy Municipal Commissioner and Assistant Commissioner of Mangalwari Zone Ashok Garate, along with Assistant Commissioner of the Enforcement Department Harish Raut. Around 40 staff members from enforcement and civil departments were deployed for the action.
On-site supervision was carried out by Enforcement Superintendent Sanjay Kamble and Deputy Engineer Prashant Nehare. Junior Engineers Dnyaneshwar Mitkari, Ashok Khedkar, and Diksha Kalaskar were also present during the drive. Workers used manual tools such as hammers and crowbars to dismantle the structures, while shopkeepers were given time to remove their goods.
High Court Grants Temporary Relief to 11 Shops
Officials added that demolition could not be executed on 11 shop units owned by five individuals in the same building. The High Court issued an interim order on Thursday restraining the civic body from taking action against those units for now.
Authorities stated that further steps will be taken based on subsequent court directions and adherence to municipal building regulations.
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