India, May 17 -- Authorities in Maharashtra's Pimpri Chinchwad near Pune on Saturday launched a drive to demolish 36 unauthorised bungalows built within the blue flood line zone of the Indrayani River in Chikhali as per the Supreme Court directions.

The unprecedented move in the industrial town, often in the news for unauthorised constructions, began against the river-facing bungalows around 5.30am under heavy police protection.

Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) deployed 10 earth movers to carry out the operation despite resistance from local ruling Bharatiya Janata Party leaders.

The Supreme Court on May 5 upheld a National Green Tribunal (NGT) ruling for the demolitions. It dismissed a developer's appeal seeking a stay on...