Maharashtra Government Adopts Supriya Sules Nodal Officer Suggestion to Tackle Hinjawadi Infrastructure Challenges
Pune MP Supriya Sule has issued a stern warning to the Maharashtra government, demanding that the growing civic and infrastructure issues plaguing the Hinjewadi IT Park and surrounding areas be resolved by July 25. Failing that, she has vowed to launch an agitation starting July 26. Following an on-ground assessment of the region on Friday, Sule reiterated her demand for the formation of a dedicated governance authority to tackle what she described as an increasingly unmanageable situation.
In a letter addressed directly to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Sule emphasized the urgent need for a Special City Development Authority or an Industrial Township Authority with independent powers to manage the Hinjawadi-Maan-Marunji belt along with neighboring villages such as Jambhe, Gahunje, Nande, Lavale, Pirangut, and Bhukum. She argued that fragmented governance structures have led to chronic inefficiencies in urban planning, service delivery, and infrastructure development. The Rajiv Gandhi Infotech Park, located in Hinjewadi, is home to more than 300 IT companies and employs over three lakh professionals. According to the 2024 Software Technology Parks of India (STPI) report, the Pune region alone accounts for the majority of Maharashtra’s annual software exports, contributing significantly to the state’s economy with over ₹1.05 lakh crore in export revenue. Despite this economic importance, Sule pointed out that the region continues to suffer from inadequate civic amenities, unregulated construction, traffic snarls, waterlogging, and environmental degradation.
One of the major grievances is the rampant construction activity over natural drainage channels, which has led to repeated flooding in several parts of the region. Sule stated that the debris from Metro rail construction, choked and uncleaned stormwater drains, and incomplete roadworks have only exacerbated the situation. She stressed that these issues pose not just inconvenience but also significant public safety risks, especially during the monsoon season. Sule has been persistently seeking a comprehensive stakeholder meeting with the Chief Minister and relevant government departments to address these concerns. She emphasized that the meeting should not be a token formality but a full-fledged session involving industry leaders, local representatives, citizen groups, urban planners, and civic authorities. “When he takes the meeting, it must be a jumbo meeting with all stakeholders, not just a formality,” she said.
During her visit, Sule demanded immediate steps including the removal of Metro debris, cleaning of all existing drains, and the completion of pending roadworks within the next year. She mentioned that these commitments were previously given to her by government officials but have yet to be acted upon. A follow-up review meeting with the Industries Minister is scheduled for July 8, where she intends to press these demands again. Sule also announced that she would personally monitor the area by visiting twice every month going forward. She responded to local demands suggesting the merger of the area with the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC). While she did not explicitly support or oppose the idea, she made it clear that her priority is finding an effective administrative solution. “We are open to any solution—whether PCMC or a new authority—as long as the issues are addressed,” she said.
The list of demands made by Sule and local residents includes placing a temporary moratorium on new building permissions in the area until basic infrastructure and services are secured. Other key demands involve fast-tracked upgrades to essential services like road maintenance, water supply, waste management, law enforcement, and public transport. Sule also proposed a single-window governance mechanism to reduce bureaucratic red tape and accelerate decision-making. Further, she insisted on active involvement of both citizen groups and industry bodies in local planning and infrastructure execution to ensure transparency and community alignment. She underlined the importance of integrated planning, unified funding mechanisms, and coordinated service delivery to support the area’s continued growth without compromising quality of life.
While the Hinjewadi IT Park and its neighboring clusters are among the fastest-growing economic corridors in Maharashtra, Sule argued that growth without governance is a recipe for disaster. Without urgent intervention and structural reforms, the area’s economic contribution could be undermined by failing infrastructure, civic unrest, and declining investor confidence. This is not the first time Sule has raised alarm over issues in this region. Her repeated efforts to flag these problems over the years have been met with assurances from the state government, but very little on-ground change. Her latest ultimatum sets a clear deadline for the state to act. If ignored, it could lead to a high-profile public protest that will likely draw national attention to the state’s administrative failure in managing one of its most economically vital zones.
With just a few weeks left before the July 25 deadline, the ball is now in the Maharashtra government’s court. Whether it chooses to act decisively or delay further will determine not just the future of Hinjewadi’s residents and workforce but also the credibility of the state’s governance in managing urban development in rapidly expanding economic hubs.
