At a high‑level review in Akurdi, PMRDA Commissioner issued a decisive directive: any structure impeding natural storm drains must be torn down by 15 June. Officials demanded visible, on‑ground change across Hinjewadi, Marunji, and Maan—flood‑impacted zones in Pune’s IT corridor. The order targets illegal constructions and industries operating without environmental clearance, signalling a zero‑tolerance approach after recent inundations.
A senior urban planning expert emphasised that reclaiming natural waterways is essential for climate‑resilient growth. Unauthorised buildings and encroachments have severely disrupted traditional water paths, exacerbating floods in a city already struggling with rapid urbanisation. Ensuring natural flow is foundational to sustainable and equitable urban infrastructure. Rain‑induced waterlogging submerged MIDC Pune Road between Metro stations 3 and 4 on 7 June, halting traffic and inundating residential complexes, tech campuses, and hostel blocks. Reports of untreated industrial effluent entering drains fuelled public outrage. MHPC environment authorities are now investigating pollution sources, with non‑compliant units facing disconnection of power and water.
Local industry associations confirm spot visits are underway. Units found dumping untreated wastewater may face criminal charges, reflecting a broader legal shift toward environmental accountability. This aligns with India’s sustainability agenda to reduce flood risks, water toxicity, and health hazards. Metro‑related debris from Pune Metro infrastructure has compounded the problem. Authorities instructed metro and public works teams to clear and resurface damaged roads within seven days, removing barricades and debris blocking drains. Coordinated efforts must ensure construction does not conflict with natural drainage patterns, which have been fragile since rapid development began .
Residents have expressed cautious optimism. A local resident stated, “We expect to see drains cleared, water‑logging reduced—and we hope the deadline is met.” Another described the meeting as “most productive in recent years,” but emphasised urgency: “No more months of inaction.” Infrastructure officials are also improving stormwater infrastructure. A high‑capacity water‑pumping fleet is being readied for emergencies. Mobile pumps, coupled with a WhatsApp‑based coordination group, aim to ensure rapid mobilisation during flood events . Plans include redesigning drains for better flood management and strengthening disaster response capabilities.
On waste processing, the MIDC has committed to erecting a 10‑tonne capacity plant within a year, while the Hinjewadi panchayat has begun fining littering offenders, helping reduce solid waste obstructing drains. Civic bodies are also evaluating storm and street lighting, barricade safety, and vulnerable U‑turns along IT park roads. Legislators are raising stakes. A local MLA warned that infrastructure failures would be escalated during the next assembly session unless visible improvements are achieved. This legislative scrutiny adds political urgency to PMRDA’s administrative drive.
In terms of civic governance, the move reflects increasing inter‑agency coordination. PMRDA, MIDC, MPCB, PCMC, Pune IT Metro, Maharashtra State utilities, and traffic police have been directed to work in concert—a significant shift towards integrated city‑region management. Experts say that this urgency comes from more than just adverse weather—it signals acknowledgement that unchecked urban growth in Pune’s tech belt demands proactive planning. A transport infrastructure analyst stated: “IT hubs cannot thrive with streets that flood, roads that cave in, or civic structures that ignore water channels. Sustainable city‑making starts here”.
Long‑term plans also include nullah restoration across the 6,000 sq km metropolitan region, backed by a ₹5.5 crore municipal cleanup programme, and tenders for clearing encroachments and hotspots. A 7.5–9 metre green‑belt is being visualised to buffer drains and act as stormwater gardens. However, coordination between PMRDA and Pune Municipal Corporation remains a challenge, given overlapping jurisdiction and delayed tender processes. Civil society groups emphasise that execution is key. They call for comprehensive monitoring dashboards, contractor accountability, and citizen oversight to avoid cyclical fence‑mending. Representatives from industrial associations, panchayats, and residents’ forums will share data with PMRDA via 10‑day status checks.
Technocrats argue this is Pune’s moment to institutionalise durable flood resistance and climate adaptation within urban projects. They advocate for integrative watershed planning, permeable surfaces, and zero‑debris policy for all infrastructure works to preserve downstream catchments. As monsoon progresses, the 15 June deadline is both ambitious and symbolic. It offers a deadline-driven model for climate‑informed urban governance and potentially a blueprint for other rapidly urbanising Indian cities. If PMRDA’s multi‑departmental approach secures physical impact, Hinjewadi may chart a course toward green, equitable, and flood‑resilient urban ecosystems.
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