PMRDA chief sets May 31 deadline for Hinjewadi pre-monsoon works, warns of action for lapses

Pune: The Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) has directed all agencies involved in civic works in the Hinjewadi-Maan IT hub to complete pre-monsoon measures by May 31, warning that officials responsible for lapses could face action under the Disaster Management Act.

At a review meeting chaired by PMRDA commissioner Abhijeet Chaudhari, agencies including PMRDA, Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC), National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), gram panchayats and the irrigation department were instructed to immediately clean, deepen and widen drains to ensure smooth natural water flow and remove encroachments blocking nullahs.

“No compromise will be tolerated in pre-monsoon works. All tasks are expected to be completed by May 31. If public property is damaged or there is any loss of life due to technical flaws or lack of planning, action will certainly be taken against the responsible officer of the department concerned,” Chaudhari said during the meeting.

Speaking to TOI, the commissioner said inspections and review checks would be conducted next week to verify progress on the ground.

“We have issued directions to the agencies and officials. They will have to carry out the necessary work before the monsoon. If not, we could initiate action under the Disaster Management Act,” he said.

Officials said MIDC and gram panchayats have specifically been directed to remove encroachments obstructing natural nullahs by next week. During the meeting, the police department also shared details of chronic waterlogging locations and traffic black spots in the IT park area.

The directive comes amid recurring monsoon flooding and massive traffic snarls in the Hinjewadi-Maan IT hub, which have emerged as major civic concerns in recent years. Last year, even brief spells of rain led to severe waterlogging across Phases 1, 2 and 3, with roads near the Metro corridor and several internal stretches remaining submerged for hours.

Thousands of IT professionals were stranded in traffic as blocked stormwater drains, debris dumped along natural streams, pothole-ridden roads and ongoing infrastructure works worsened flooding.

Following repeated complaints from residents, IT firms and industries over flooding, traffic congestion and poor infrastructure, chief minister Devendra Fadnavis had earlier announced the creation of a single point authority for Hinjewadi to improve coordination among agencies such as PMRDA, MIDC, gram panchayats and traffic police.

Members of IT associations said some progress was visible ahead of the monsoon, though debris removal from natural streams remained incomplete in certain stretches.

“Friday’s rains were a positive test of preparedness. The opening of natural water channels and timely cleaning of gutters ensured smoother water flow, and it appears the administration is taking proactive steps ahead of the monsoon season. We hope this momentum continues and that residents do not face flooding situations like last year,” said Dnyanendra Hulsure, president of Hinjewadi Employees and Residents Trust.

Officials said another review meeting would be held next week.