Just half an hour of rainfall over the weekend transformed Hinjawadi’s Rajiv Gandhi Infotech Park into a veritable ‘water park,’ prompting a sarcastic yet critical demand from NCP MLA Rohit Pawar for water transport services in the IT hub. This immediate submersion, where roads became streams and vehicles waded through knee-deep water, has ignited a fresh wave of public outcry and political scrutiny regarding the neglected infrastructure in Pune’s vital economic zone.
The incident underscores an urgent need for sustainable, climate-resilient urban planning to protect critical assets and ensure equitable living conditions in the city. The alarming visuals of flooded roads and struggling vehicles in Hinjawadi quickly went viral on social media, drawing sharp criticism from citizens and stakeholders alike. MLA Rohit Pawar’s pointed remarks, “This is not a water park, it’s supposed to be an IT park. Within 30 minutes of rain, the entire area was flooded,” highlight the acute frustration with the prevailing conditions. He further questioned the government’s preparedness and commitment, asking, “Will investors be impressed by this condition of Maharashtra’s largest IT park? Will the existing companies choose to stay?” These concerns directly impact Pune’s economic attractiveness and its role as a major employment and education provider.
Baramati MP Supriya Sule echoed similar concerns, demanding immediate and permanent solutions. She specifically pointed to significant water accumulation near Ryan International School and Phase 2 of Hinjawadi, questioning the very existence of adequate water drainage systems in the area. Sule also criticised the apparent lack of timely basic maintenance, such as drain cleaning, urging the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) to take swift action. These observations underscore systemic failures in urban infrastructure management that go beyond mere rainfall.
The Forum for IT Employees (FITE) conducted an on-ground inspection, expressing serious concerns over the transformation of Hinjawadi IT Park into a “water park” due to severely clogged rainwater drains. Their findings revealed drainage channels completely blocked by mud, weeds, construction debris, and materials from ongoing metro work, pointing to a confluence of neglect and unplanned development. FITE has consequently demanded a complete redesign of the rainwater drainage system in Hinjawadi, asserting that “unless permanent infrastructure is developed, this flooding will continue every monsoon.” This highlights the urgent need for a holistic and science-backed approach to urban drainage.
The recurring flooding in Pune’s critical economic zones like Hinjawadi raises serious questions not only about urban planning but also about disaster preparedness in a rapidly urbanising environment. With the India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicting a robust monsoon, the onus is on authorities to demonstrate proactive measures rather than reactive responses. The current situation in Hinjawadi serves as a stark reminder that economic prosperity cannot be sustained without resilient and well-maintained urban infrastructure.
The challenges in Hinjawadi are emblematic of broader issues faced by many Indian cities that have experienced rapid, often unplanned, growth. The encroachment on natural drainage systems, inadequate storm water management, and the lack of integrated urban planning often lead to such crises. To move towards zero-net carbon, eco-friendly, and equitable cities, it is imperative to implement stringent building codes, enforce green infrastructure mandates, and ensure that development respects natural ecological boundaries. This includes prioritising open spaces, maintaining water bodies, and investing in climate-resilient infrastructure that serves all citizens, regardless of gender or socio-economic background.
As monsoon intensifies, citizens and stakeholders in Pune are eagerly awaiting concrete action from authorities. The choice is clear: either comprehensive, sustainable urban planning and infrastructure upgrades are implemented, or Pune’s vital IT park risks earning a new, permanent and detrimental title – a tech-powered water park, significantly impacting its long-term viability and the livelihoods it supports.
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