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Time of India
7 hours ago
- Politics
- Time of India
PMRDA sets June 15 deadline to resolve Hinjewadi civic woes
Pune: Days after heavy rain paralysed the Hinjewadi, Maan and Marunji areas due to severe waterlogging and traffic congestion, the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) has set a strict deadline of June 15 for all civic bodies to complete key infrastructure works in the area. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Officials from the public works department, Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC), Maha Metro, and MIDC were directed to fast-track all pending work. The directive was issued during a high-level review meeting on Wednesday chaired by PMRDA commissioner Dr Yogesh Mhase with all stakeholders. "Hinjewadi is growing rapidly, but its civic infrastructure needs immediate redressal. All agencies must coordinate and ensure timely completion," Mhase said, adding failure to adhere to the deadline would not be tolerated. A major concern is the obstruction of natural drains due to unauthorised constructions. Incomplete Metro and roadworks only compounded the crisis, leaving tech professionals and residents frustrated. Mhase, while ordering an immediate survey and demolition of illegal structures affecting stormwater flow, said, "Structures blocking natural water channels will be removed. There will be no compromise." The official also addressed the issue of rising pollution levels after reports of untreated industrial waste being discharged into stormwater lines. He directed immediate action on effluent discharge, including disconnection of utilities and possible legal proceedings against violators. The meeting was attended by representatives of the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB), MSEDCL, IT firms, residents' groups, and the Hinjewadi Industries Association. MLA Shankar Mandekar, who attended the meeting, assured that he would raise the issue in the upcoming Assembly session if tangible progress was not made. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Baramati MP Supriya Sule had flagged the area's infrastructure crisis recently, calling Hinjewadi 'the engine of Pune's IT economy' that now suffers from poor roads and failing drainage systems. Ravindra Sinha of the Hinjawadi Residents' Forum, highlighted the need for long-term planning, including hydrological studies using Survey of India and GSDA data for the region's 5,000-acre catchment area of Hinjewadi, Maan and Marunji and ground survey of natural streams of the region. Dnyanendra Hulsure, president of the Hinjawadi Maan Employees and Residents Trust (HEART), said the meeting was 'one of the most productive meetings in recent years'. Commending Mhase and chief engineer Rinaz Pathan for proactive coordination, Hulsure said, "We raised multiple concerns, including lack of communication and coordination amongst various govt bodies. As a corrective action, a communication group was formed for coordination. Multiple short- and long-term actions were decided." Pune: Days after heavy rain paralysed the Hinjewadi, Maan and Marunji areas due to severe waterlogging and traffic congestion, the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) has set a strict deadline of June 15 for all civic bodies to complete key infrastructure works in the area. Officials from the public works department, Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC), Maha Metro, and MIDC were directed to fast-track all pending work. The directive was issued during a high-level review meeting on Wednesday chaired by PMRDA commissioner Dr Yogesh Mhase with all stakeholders. "Hinjewadi is growing rapidly, but its civic infrastructure needs immediate redressal. All agencies must coordinate and ensure timely completion," Mhase said, adding failure to adhere to the deadline would not be tolerated. A major concern is the obstruction of natural drains due to unauthorised constructions. Incomplete Metro and roadworks only compounded the crisis, leaving tech professionals and residents frustrated. Mhase, while ordering an immediate survey and demolition of illegal structures affecting stormwater flow, said, "Structures blocking natural water channels will be removed. There will be no compromise." The official also addressed the issue of rising pollution levels after reports of untreated industrial waste being discharged into stormwater lines. He directed immediate action on effluent discharge, including disconnection of utilities and possible legal proceedings against violators. The meeting was attended by representatives of the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB), MSEDCL, IT firms, residents' groups, and the Hinjewadi Industries Association. MLA Shankar Mandekar, who attended the meeting, assured that he would raise the issue in the upcoming Assembly session if tangible progress was not made. Baramati MP Supriya Sule had flagged the area's infrastructure crisis recently, calling Hinjewadi 'the engine of Pune's IT economy' that now suffers from poor roads and failing drainage systems. Ravindra Sinha of the Hinjawadi Residents' Forum, highlighted the need for long-term planning, including hydrological studies using Survey of India and GSDA data for the region's 5,000-acre catchment area of Hinjewadi, Maan and Marunji and ground survey of natural streams of the region. Dnyanendra Hulsure, president of the Hinjawadi Maan Employees and Residents Trust (HEART), said the meeting was 'one of the most productive meetings in recent years'. Commending Mhase and chief engineer Rinaz Pathan for proactive coordination, Hulsure said, "We raised multiple concerns, including lack of communication and coordination amongst various govt bodies. As a corrective action, a communication group was formed for coordination. Multiple short- and long-term actions were decided."
Hindustan Times
a day ago
- General
- Hindustan Times
PMRDA, MIDC to meet after flooding at Hinjewadi IT Park
The recent flooding at Hinjewadi's Rajiv Gandhi Infotech Park has brought to light the lack of coordination between the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) and the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC), two key authorities responsible for the area's infrastructure. They pass the buck instead of offering solutions. PMRDA commissioner Yogesh Mhase has called a meeting of stakeholders on Wednesday to chart a way forward and resolve long-standing infrastructure issues. On Monday, MLA Shankar Mandekar led a joint inspection of the IT park along with senior officials from PMRDA, MIDC, Hinjewadi panchayat, and resident representatives. The visit revealed that natural stormwater drains have been blocked by construction activities, leading to waterlogging during heavy rains. One of the worst-affected spots is the road in front of Dohler company in Phase 2, where water continues to accumulate. MIDC officials admitted that the installation of underground drainage pipelines in the area is pending. Officials pointed out that several real estate and corporate developments in the IT park have obstructed the natural flow of water, resulting in poor rainwater drainage. In some cases, untreated sewage is being released into nearby agricultural lands. Frustrated farmers have responded by building barriers to protect their fields, which has worsened the waterlogging issue. 'There are multiple issues in Hinjewadi—from blocked drains to unregulated constructions,' said Mhase. Nitin Wankhede, chief engineer, MIDC, said, 'Barring an eight-kilometre stretch impacted by metro construction, most MIDC-maintained roads in area are in good shape. We've identified several buildings without proper sewage systems and informed PMRDA.'
Hindustan Times
02-06-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
PMRDA begins land acquisition for 150 new roads, reserved plots to enhance infrastructure
In a step to strengthen infrastructure and ease traffic congestion across the Pune Metropolitan Region (PMR), the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) has initiated the process from May 28 to acquire land for 150 proposed roads and around 85 hectares of reserved plots. Yogesh Mhase, PMRDA commissioner said, 'With the rapid expansion of urban areas and increasing demand for better transport networks, it is essential to secure land for future infrastructure proactively. This step will help us reduce project delays and support sustainable growth across the Pune metropolitan region.' The initiative covers several key talukas, including Maval, Haveli, Mulshi, and Shirur, and aims to facilitate planned urban growth across PMR's 6246.26 sq km jurisdiction. The authority has floated a tender to appoint a consultant who will handle the end-to-end land acquisition process, including both road corridors and various urban infrastructure reservations. According to the Request for Proposal (RFP) issued by PMRDA, the selected consultant will be responsible for completing all land acquisition formalities up to possession, using methods such as compulsory acquisition, direct purchase, and statutory processes under the Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013. The scope of work for the consultant includes conducting revenue and cadastral surveys, preparing acquisition proposals, estimating compensation for affected assets such as structures, trees, and wells, and assisting PMRDA during joint measurement surveys. The consultant will also liaise with revenue officials and local authorities to ensure a smooth acquisition process. The total consultancy period is set for 30 months, with work expected to commence within 15 days of the final appointment. Interested firms must submit their bids online by June 6, 2025.
Time of India
25-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
PMRDA to spend Rs 3,000cr to build road network linking major highways in Pune city
Pune: The Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) has announced a Rs3,000-crore road network project to link key highways and decongest Pune's major traffic corridors. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Officials said the network would offer direct connectivity between Satara Road, Ahilyanagar Road, Solapur highway, Nashik highway, and the Pune-Mumbai highway, while improving road access to peripheral villages and emerging townships. PMRDA commissioner Yogesh Mhase told TOI that the project aims to have proper roads connecting to all highways in the district. "We have zeroed in on all the roads that connect to the highways. We will undertake the repairs phase-wise," he said. Officials of the development authority said construction or repair works are undertaken at various spots along different segments. "Link roads connecting major highways are being prioritised. We have approved work in 20 to 25 villages," a senior PMRDA official said. Most of the new roads will be constructed using cement concrete to improve durability, the official said. "Each road will be equipped with stormwater drainage lines and underground utility ducts to prevent future digging and ensure smooth movement during the monsoon," the official said. "Widths have been finalised keeping future traffic volumes in mind. Utility shifting and technical surveys are being conducted simultaneously to avoid delays," the official added. The first phase of the project includes strengthening existing roads that are already part of PMRDA's regional development plan. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The work is being executed through multiple packages, with land acquisition being fast-tracked. Officials said the internal grid of roads would function as alternate routes for traffic that crowd the city's arterial roads and highways. Once completed, the network is expected to cut travel time for daily commuters and heavy vehicles entering and exiting Pune. "The aim is to reduce pressure on primary corridors by creating seamless links between them. This will also help people living in peripheral areas travel more efficiently," the official said. Inner ring road alignment to be examined by experts PMRDA is reviewing a request by MP Supriya Sule to shift the alignment of the proposed inner ring road by around 200m in certain locations to avoid affecting residential areas in villages. "A final decision will be taken after technical experts examine the proposal," a senior PMRDA official said. Sule raised the issue during a meeting with the PMRDA commissioner earlier this month stating that it would affect the villagers in the area. She said while she was not against the project, a slight re-alignment would help save the houses of the villagers in Haveli taluka. The Rs14,200-crore inner ring road project spans 83.1km and is designed to provide circular connectivity between major hubs, including Lohegaon airport, Hinjewadi IT Park and Chakan MIDC. The authority already submitted a request to the Pune district collector's office last week to speed up land acquisition for the inner ring road. The ring road is expected to divert heavy traffic away from the city's core areas and support future infrastructure needs.
Hindustan Times
21-05-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Water crisis looms large in PMRDA areas
Residents in areas governed by the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) are facing an escalating water crisis, with no dedicated water allocation from any dam or reservoir. While municipal corporations and local bodies receive reserved water supplies, PMRDA-dependent regions remain excluded, leaving residents to grapple with daily shortages. According to PMRDA officials, the region requires at least two TMC (thousand million cubic feet) of water to meet its current demands. Established on March 31, 2015, the PMRDA covers 6,051 sq km, encompassing 697 villages across nine talukas. As per the 2011 Census, the region houses over 7.3 million people. Despite rapid urban development near Pune's city limits, PMRDA areas have no designated water source, unlike Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad municipal corporations, which draw water from assigned dams. Local gram panchayats are unable to meet the water needs of the sprawling housing projects that have sprung up in the PMRDA region. Although government policy mandates that municipal corporations supply water within five kilometres of their boundaries, most are already struggling to serve their own jurisdictions. As a result, residents in the adjacent PMRDA zones are left in the lurch. Despite possessing reserved water resources, both Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad corporations have shown little initiative in extending water services to neighbouring PMRDA regions. In a bid to force action, PMRDA previously threatened to halt construction permits for new developments unless a water supply solution was secured, leading to tensions between the agency and municipal authorities and prompting escalation to the state government. Agencies like the Zilla Parishad, Maharashtra Jeevan Pradhikaran, and the MIDC are responsible for supplying water to various sectors. However, PMRDA officials allege that these bodies have overlooked the needs of the rapidly expanding residential projects within their jurisdiction. Even amid the severe shortfall, large-scale construction continues unabated near the city limits. PMRDA has sought expert consultation on water requirements for new projects and concluded that at least two TMCs of water will be essential. Yet, no definitive plan is currently in place to address the crisis. 'Government guidelines direct municipal corporations and other agencies to supply water to residential developments,' said Dr Yogesh Mhase, Commissioner of PMRDA. 'However, additional water resources are urgently needed to support the region's growing population.' 'For us, every day is a struggle,' said Sneha Shinde, a resident of Ganraj Housing Society in Shirur, within the PMRDA limits. 'We moved here hoping for a better quality of life, but we're dependent on water tankers, paying extra, and living in constant uncertainty. It feels like we've been completely forgotten by the authorities.'
