Pune: Baner Hill Excavation Under Scrutiny; PMC Says Activity in BDP Area is Illegal, Building Department Initiates Action
Reported by Shoaib Tadvi
Baner, 17th July 2026: An alleged case of unauthorized hill cutting and excavation has come to light near Baner Hill, close to Kalpataru Jade Society (13/3 Jade Hill Road), opposite W18 Sports on Pan Card Club Road in Baner, raising serious concerns among residents over environmental damage and possible violations of civic regulations.
According to local residents, heavy earthmoving machinery, including a Poclain excavator, was seen excavating portions of the hill, while trucks allegedly transported excavated murum (soil) from the site. Residents fear the activity could adversely affect the ecologically sensitive Baner-Pashan Biodiversity Park (BDP) hill ecosystem.
One resident alleged that the excavation continued until around 11:40 pm, beyond the permitted hours for such work within Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) limits. A complaint was lodged through the 112 emergency helpline, following which police personnel reportedly reached the site, leading to a temporary halt in the work.
The complainant further alleged that a white pickup truck had been deliberately parked with its bonnet open to block access to the excavation site. According to the resident, the vehicle was removed shortly after the police left.
Residents questioned whether the excavation had the necessary environmental and civic permissions and expressed concerns over possible illegal hill cutting, unauthorized transportation of earth, ecological damage, and potential revenue loss to the government if the work was carried out without approval.
Another local resident noted that W18 Sports is expanding its premises by adding a swimming pool and additional sports courts. However, the resident clarified that they could not confirm whether the hill excavation was officially linked to the expansion project.
Following the complaints, officials from the Pune Municipal Corporation inspected the site. The inspection team included Vijay Naikal, Assistant Municipal Commissioner of the Aundh-Baner Ward Office, along with the Senior Health Inspector and a Deputy Engineer. According to civic officials, the PMC Building Department has initiated action in the matter.
Speaking to Punekar News, Vijay Naikal, Assistant Municipal Commissioner, Aundh-Baner Ward Office, said:
“I personally visited the site after receiving the complaint. During the inspection, we found that the activity was illegal, and we immediately stopped the work. I have forwarded the complaint to the Building Department, and the department is now handling the matter. Necessary action will be taken by the Building Department.”
Officials also confirmed that the road construction at the location is being carried out privately and that no such activity is permitted within the Biodiversity Park (BDP) area. They said a formal letter would be sent to the District Collector regarding the matter.
Officials further stated that, apart from any penalties that may be imposed for illegal hill cutting, any trees or shrubs removed during the work must be compensated through plantation within 15 days, as required under the applicable rules.
Arvind Gidroniya, a local resident, said:
“Baner Hill is an environmentally sensitive area and must be protected. We raised this issue because we were concerned about the impact of the excavation on the hill ecosystem. We expect the authorities to conduct a thorough investigation and take strict action if any violations are found.”
Another resident, Abhijna Hegde, said:
“Our concern is not just about one excavation site but about preserving the Baner-Pashan hills for future generations. We hope the authorities ensure that no unauthorized work takes place in the Biodiversity Park area and that environmental laws are strictly enforced.”
PMC has completed its preliminary site inspection, and further action is underway. Authorities are expected to determine whether the excavation violated environmental, construction, or land-use regulations. The matter remains under official scrutiny.
