In a proactive move aimed at streamlining urban infrastructure development and minimising disruptions to public life, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has announced a temporary ban on road digging activities across Pune’s civic areas from May 1 to September 30.
This decision, which includes the entirety of the monsoon season, underscores the civic administration’s commitment to enhancing efficiency and mitigating the inconvenience caused by ongoing construction works. “The road restoration and resurfacing work will start on May 1. The administration will take legal action against those who dig roads between May 1 and September 30,” said Aniruddha Pawaskar, the head of the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC)’s road department.
The PMC’s directive, outlined in a notice issued on Tuesday, mandates the completion of all ongoing road-digging projects by April 30, signalling a concerted effort to expedite pending infrastructure works before the onset of the ban period. Past instances of non-compliance have prompted strict action from PMC officials, with contractors and municipal staff facing penalties for failing to adhere to stipulated deadlines and monitoring protocols. “The administration will allow only emergency works during this period. These works can be related to stormwater drains, water supply, roads, electricity supply, cellular or internet supply line,” said a senior official of PMC. Last year, the PMC imposed fines totalling approximately Rs50 lakh on multiple contractors found guilty of unauthorised road digging in areas such as Nagar Road, Warje, and Sinhagad Road. These penalties underscore the PMC’s commitment to enforcing regulatory compliance and ensuring responsible urban development practices.
Looking ahead, the PMC aims to minimise the need for road digging activities by adopting innovative leak detection techniques, such as the pressure gauge method, to assess water supply pressure. By transitioning towards non-invasive inspection methods, the PMC anticipates a reduction in road excavation-related costs, which currently amount to Rs80 lakh annually, while simultaneously enhancing operational efficiency and minimising disruptions to road users. The decision to impose a moratorium on road digging aligns with broader efforts to modernise infrastructure management practices and foster sustainable urban development. By embracing technological solutions and prioritising infrastructure integrity, the PMC aims to optimise resource allocation, improve service delivery, and enhance the overall quality of life for Pune’s residents. As the PMC embarks on this transformative journey towards more efficient infrastructure management, stakeholders are encouraged to collaborate closely with municipal authorities to ensure the successful implementation of these initiatives. Through collective efforts and a shared commitment to innovation and sustainability, Pune can emerge as a model city for responsible urban development in the years to come.
