AAP Opposes Move to Shift Water Resources Department Offices Out of Pune, Questions Govt’s Decision
Pune, 8th June 2026: The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Monday opposed the Maharashtra government’s decision to shift key offices of the Water Resources Department from Pune to Kolhapur and Solapur, alleging that the move would weaken Pune’s administrative importance and adversely affect coordination in irrigation management.
Addressing a press conference, AAP state secretary Abhijeet More criticised the decision to bifurcate the office of the Chief Engineer, Water Resources Department, and relocate its functions to two different cities. As per an order issued on May 22, the office of the Chief Engineer (Water Resources) is proposed to be shifted to Kolhapur, while the office of the Chief Engineer (Special Projects) will be moved to Solapur.
Claiming that such a decision would not have been possible during the tenure of former deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar, More alleged that Pune’s administrative significance was being systematically reduced. He questioned why the decision was taken at the administrative level without wider public or cabinet discussion.
The party also sought responses from Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar, MP Supriya Sule, Union Minister Murlidhar Mohol and state minister Chandrakant Patil, asking whether they would oppose the relocation of the department’s key offices from Pune.
AAP argued that Pune’s central location, connectivity by road, rail and air, and proximity to Mumbai make it a suitable headquarters for managing irrigation projects in the Krishna and Bhima river basins. According to the party, keeping senior officials, including the Executive Director and Chief Engineers, under one roof is crucial for speedy decision-making, technical approvals and inter-departmental coordination.
The party claimed that splitting the headquarters between Kolhapur and Solapur could slow project execution, delay approvals and increase administrative hurdles. It also expressed concern that irrigation projects could face cost escalations due to delays in decision-making and implementation.
AAP further contended that Pune plays a key role in Maharashtra’s legal and technical preparations related to the Krishna water dispute involving Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. The party said shifting the offices could affect data analysis, legal coordination and interactions with state and central authorities.
Demanding an immediate rollback of the decision, AAP called on the government to retain all Water Resources Department chief engineer offices in Pune and maintain the existing administrative structure.
