Nagpur: Acting on directives from the Nagpur Bench of the Bombay High Court, the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) Enforcement Department on Thursday initiated demolition proceedings against nearly 70 unauthorized structures inside the multi-storey Poonam Chambers building located on Chhindwara Road. The operation was carried out under tight police security.
Civic officials confirmed that the demolition began with illegal constructions in the basement portion of the building. Shop owners had earlier been served notices by the NMC Enforcement Department and the Mangalwari Zone office, instructing them to vacate the premises by February 4.
The action follows court proceedings in a writ petition in which the Nagpur Bench of the High Court had, on November 28, 2025, directed the non-applicant, Nandkumar Harichandani, to personally submit approved building plans and ownership documents. However, he neither appeared during the December 4, 2025 hearing nor submitted the required documents to authorities.
Subsequently, the NMC issued a notice under Section 53(1) of the Maharashtra Regional and Town Planning (MRTP) Act, 1966. A final order dated January 20 directed the removal of the illegal structures within 15 days. As no compliance followed, the civic body warned that all shop units must be vacated by February 4 and demolition would begin on February 5.
The demolition drive commenced around 10:30 am under the supervision of Deputy Municipal Commissioner and Assistant Commissioner of Mangalwari Zone Ashok Garate, and Assistant Commissioner of the Enforcement Department Harish Raut. Nearly 40 personnel from the enforcement and civil teams participated in the operation.
The action was led on site by Enforcement Superintendent Sanjay Kamble and Deputy Engineer Prashant Nehare. Junior Engineers Dnyaneshwar Mitkari, Ashok Khedkar, and Diksha Kalaskar were also present. Workers used hammers and crowbars to dismantle the unauthorized structures, while occupants were allowed time to remove their belongings.
Stay Order on 11 Shops
Meanwhile, officials stated that demolition could not be carried out on 11 shop units belonging to five owners in the same building. The High Court, in an order passed on Thursday, directed the NMC not to take action against those specific units for the time being.
Further action in the case will depend on subsequent legal proceedings and compliance with civic regulations.
