Special Correspondent
Pune : The tech corridor of Hinjewadi, often seen as a symbol of urban growth and IT expansion, is now facing the grim consequences of unregulated development. Repeated flooding in Hinjewadi Phases 1, 2, and 3, especially during the recent heavy rains, has been directly linked to illegal construction by builders who have blocked or diverted the area’s natural streams and drains. These disruptions, carried out to maximise land use for commercial and residential projects, have led to widespread waterlogging, severely affecting traffic, infrastructure, and residents.
Taking serious note of the situation, the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) has initiated a crackdown against such violations. In a high-level meeting held with public representatives and administrative departments, PMRDA Commissioner Dr. Yogesh Mhase directed immediate action against those found guilty of altering the natural water flow in both PMRDA and MIDC jurisdictions. A total of 13 locations have been identified where natural watercourses have either been obstructed or illegally rerouted.
The affected sites include prominent zones like areas near Global SEZ Tech Park and Tata Consultancy Services in Bhoirwadi, as well as key junctions near metro stations, religious sites, crematoriums, and IT parks in Mann. At several of these locations, construction has been carried out with complete disregard for environmental impact or drainage planning. The administration has now ordered a halt to such constructions and has warned of criminal action against builders and landowners who fail to cooperate.
To mitigate the immediate fallout of the flooding, PMRDA has already completed several civic works in the area. These include the repair of internal roads in the Hinjewadi IT Park, clearance of debris along the metro corridor, cleaning of drains and gutters, pothole repairs, and removal of unauthorized stalls that were contributing to blockage. These efforts are expected to offer some relief to commuters and residents, though long-term solutions will depend on restoring the original water pathways.
Officials revealed that in many instances, the encroachments were not just illegal but also dangerous, with some companies and individuals relocating streams without any official sanction. In light of this, PMRDA has instructed all concerned parties to immediately reopen natural drainage paths. If they fail to do so, action under the relevant urban development and environmental regulations will be enforced.
The situation has once again raised concerns about the unchecked pace of urbanization in Pune’s outskirts and the cost of ignoring ecological balance in city planning. PMRDA’s intervention marks a crucial step towards accountability, but whether it will deter future violations remains to be seen.
