Pimpri industrial zone faces massive losses as rainwater floods 90 manufacturing units and halts operations
In Pimpri, heavy rains have severely disrupted operations in one of Maharashtra’s key industrial belts, with over 90 companies in the Bhosari and Chinchwad MIDC areas suffering major losses after water entered their premises. The flooding has damaged machinery, stalled production lines, and triggered financial setbacks for industries that supply essential components to both domestic and global markets.
The worst-affected zones include T and J blocks of Bhosari and the D-2 block of Chinchwad MIDC. Company owners blame administrative negligence by both the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation and Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation, accusing them of failing to maintain basic drainage systems and prevent waterlogging, a recurring problem for the past two years.
With approximately 16,000 small-scale industrial units employing over seven lakh people, Pimpri Chinchwad is a major contributor to Maharashtra’s manufacturing economy. However, rainwater levels rising up to four feet have short-circuited equipment and halted factory work, while companies scramble to build makeshift barriers and install water pumps.
Industrialists say poor desilting, inadequate drainage, and unchecked commercial encroachments have choked stormwater flow. Many units are built below road level, making them more vulnerable to flooding. The situation is made worse by a stalled integrated sewage treatment project and overlapping responsibilities between PCMC and MIDC. While PCMC collects taxes, MIDC oversees water supply and infrastructure, and both agencies have been shifting blame.
Sandeep Belsare, President of the Pimpri Chinchwad Small Scale Industry Organisation, said narrowed and uncleared drains have allowed rainwater to pour into factories, causing damage that could take weeks to repair. Abhay Bhor of the Forum of Small Scale Industries Association echoed the frustration, pointing out that despite paying hundreds of crores in taxes, industries are left with crumbling infrastructure and delayed deliveries.
H-Ward Officer Pooja Dudhnale confirmed that a site inspection revealed illegal constructions over drains in at least three company premises. Notices have been issued to remove encroachments within 15 days or face action from the municipal body. MIDC Executive Engineer Nitin Wankhede clarified that T and J blocks are now under PCMC’s jurisdiction and all drainage issues must be handled by the local authority.
