Bhatghar Dam in Pune district is facing a fresh safety and governance concern after Zilla Parishad member Pravin Jagdale alleged that illegal structures, hotels, resorts and electricity poles have come up in and around the reservoir’s catchment and submerged-area boundary. Jagdale has sought immediate action from the Bhor Sub-Divisional Officer.
According to the complaint reported by Pudhari, electricity poles and a distribution transformer, or DP, have allegedly been installed inside the dam water near Basrapur village. Jagdale said an electricity connection was also being provided at the location. He warned that if the water level rises and electrical current enters the reservoir, residents and livestock could face a risk of electrocution.
Jagdale further alleged that complaints about the electricity infrastructure had not received adequate attention from Mahavitaran, the Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company. The report does not include a response from Mahavitaran or any confirmation from the Water Resources Department regarding the installation of the poles and transformer.
The complaint also points to alleged encroachments along the roads on both sides of the Bhatghar Dam. The locations named include Karandi, Kambare, Vadhane, Pasur, Rajghar, Velwand, Kuruji, Nivaguni and Basrapur. Jagdale alleged that private individuals and organisations had occupied land owned by the government and the Water Resources Department, and had built hotels, resorts as well as temporary and permanent structures close to the reservoir.
The allegations place multiple authorities at the centre of the issue. Revenue officials would be required to establish land ownership and identify any unauthorised occupation, while the Water Resources Department would have jurisdiction over dam-related land and safety concerns. Mahavitaran’s role would include examining whether electricity poles, a transformer and connections were installed in compliance with applicable safety requirements.
Jagdale said the alleged encroachments and electrical installations could affect the dam’s environment and water storage, apart from creating risks for people, domestic animals and wildlife. He has requested an on-site inspection across the affected village boundaries by the Revenue and Water Resources departments.
The complaint seeks strict legal action against individuals and organisations found to have encroached on land near the reservoir. It also calls for the removal of unauthorised construction and electricity poles. The next step identified in the report is a joint field inspection and administrative review by the concerned departments. The supplied report does not state whether such an inspection has been scheduled or whether any removal order has been issued.
