PMRDA Cracks Down on Builders Over Rule Violations in Pune Fringe Areas
Pune, 28th October 2025: Responding to a surge in complaints from residents of Maan, Marunji, Wagholi, Mulshi, Maval, Chakan, and Velhe, the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) has launched a large-scale crackdown on builders accused of flouting construction norms and neglecting civic infrastructure.
Housing societies across these rapidly developing zones had complained about poor road access, drainage issues, missing amenities, illegal encroachments, and misuse of open spaces. Acting on these reports, PMRDA’s Development Permission Department has begun on-ground inspections and issued notices and stop-work orders to several ongoing projects found violating approved plans.
“We are taking immediate cognisance of society-level complaints. Assistant Town Planners (ATPs) in each taluka have been directed to inspect sites and take prompt action against defaulting builders. Citizens are encouraged to report such issues directly to PMRDA,” said Avinash Patil, Director, Development Permission Department, PMRDA.
On-Site Inspection Made Mandatory
In a major procedural reform, the PMRDA has made physical inspection by Assistant Town Planners mandatory before granting construction permission within its jurisdiction. Earlier, approvals were often issued based solely on submitted plans, leading to discrepancies between approved layouts and actual on-site construction.
Under the new rule, no project will receive final approval until an ATP has visited the site to verify layout plans, open spaces, built-up area, road setbacks, and adherence to zoning norms. The inspection process will be digitally recorded to ensure transparency and traceability.
“Earlier, post-possession complaints revealed that many projects deviated from sanctioned plans or lacked basic amenities. The new system ensures such violations are detected early,” a senior PMRDA official said.
18 More Projects Flagged for Obstructing Water Flow
Following previous action against projects in Hinjawadi for obstructing natural water channels, the Water Resources Department has identified 18 additional buildings and establishments violating similar norms. Some of these constructions had earlier received formal approvals, but are now under review after reports of waterlogging and drainage blockage.
PMRDA officials said these measures are part of a broader effort to enforce accountability among developers, curb unauthorised construction, and improve transparency in the region’s booming real estate sector.
“Developers who fail to follow approved plans or ignore public safety norms will face strict action,” Patil added.
