Pune: PMC Survey to Identify Illegal Structures Near Lohegaon AFS

Pune Municipal Corporation and the IAF collaborate to intensify security measures; 60 unlawful constructions found in a 100-metre radius of bomb dumping area

To enhance safety and security measures in and around the Lohegaon Air Force Station (AFS), the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), in collaboration with the Indian Air Force (IAF), has initiated a comprehensive survey to identify illegal structures within a 100-metre radius of the bomb dumping area at AFS.

The authorities will be using drones for the aerial inspection of the designated zones to identify unlawful structures. This proactive measure comes in response to concerns over encroachments potentially compromising the security perimeter of one of the IAF’s crucial air bases.

Rohidas Gavane, the executive engineer of PMC’s building permission department, said, “The survey will cover structures, including carpet area and plinth details. We have identified 60 structures in the pilot survey so far.”

AFS Pune is one of IAF’s crucial air bases as it houses many fighter planes. PMC and Lohegaon AFS officials had met in May to discuss unauthorised buildings coming up in Lohegaon and Dhanori areas. The authorities have sought permission from the Air Headquarters and South Western Air Command to permit drone survey.