India, April 9 -- Residents of Bavdhan staged a protest outside the Pune Municipal Corporation's (PMC's) Kothrud-Bavdhan ward office on Tuesday, alleging civic inaction against illegal encroachments on footpaths and roads, as well as violations by ready-mix concrete (RMC) plants.

Abhijeet Deshmukh, a shopkeeper near the ward office, said hawkers have taken over footpaths and roads, leaving little space for pedestrians. "They come in informally at first, but once they settle in, they turn aggressive. When questioned, they say, 'Where should we go now?'" he said.

Suhas Mahadev Jadhav, assistant municipal commissioner of the ward, said the PMC has taken action. "We have acted against illegal encroachments near Gujarat Colony by imposing fi...