Pune’s Deputy Chief Minister, Ajit Pawar, has issued stringent directives for immediate action against illegal constructions obstructing natural drains within Hinjawadi’s Rajiv Gandhi IT Park, identifying them as the primary cause of recent severe flooding. The order includes filing First Information Reports (FIRs) under IPC Section 353 against individuals impeding administrative work, signalling a decisive crackdown on unauthorised encroachments. This move underscores the administration’s commitment to enhancing urban resilience and ensuring the integrity of critical infrastructure in a rapidly developing metropolitan area.
The directive follows a comprehensive ground assessment by Mr. Pawar, who personally visited 15 affected locations within the IT Park area to gauge the extent of traffic congestion and waterlogging exacerbated by heavy monsoon rains. During a subsequent review meeting at the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) office, key instructions were issued to various agencies, including PMRDA, Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC), and local bodies. These mandates encompass accelerating work on the crucial Pune Metro Line 3, removing all unauthorised structures from natural waterways, investigating and acting against those altering drain courses, and clearing accumulated garbage to facilitate unimpeded water flow.
This proactive stance is critical for fostering a truly eco-friendly and sustainable urban environment. Unchecked encroachments on natural drainage systems not only amplify the risks of urban flooding but also disrupt delicate ecological balances, hindering the city’s natural capacity for water management. Restoring these vital arteries is paramount for climate resilience, ensuring that Pune can effectively manage monsoon impacts and reduce its vulnerability to extreme weather events. Such measures contribute directly to public health and safety, preventing waterborne diseases and ensuring unhindered access to essential services for all residents, thereby promoting a more equitable urban landscape.
PMRDA Commissioner, Dr. Yogesh Mhase, has affirmed the resolute commitment to execute these directives, assuring that unauthorised drain encroachments will be demolished within a month. This extensive operation will deploy significant resources, including 50 machines and a large workforce, with a firm promise that no political or external pressure will be entertained during the enforcement drive. This decisive action is a testament to the administration’s resolve to uphold regulatory oversight and promote planned urban growth, ultimately serving the larger interest of the city and its inhabitants by creating a safer, more functional, and sustainably developed Pune.
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