Pune: Encroachments in Khadakwasla, Pawana Reservoir Areas – Minister Admits

Pune, 5th March 2025: Water Resources Minister Radhakrishna Vikhe-Patil admitted in the Legislative Council that encroachments have taken place in the restricted areas of the Khadakwasla and Pawana dam reservoirs. He stated that notices have been issued periodically to remove these encroachments and that action is being taken with the assistance of the police.

The issue was raised in the Legislative Council through a starred question by MLAs Rajesh Rathod, Ashok alias Bhai Jagtap, Abhijit Vanjari, Dr. Pragya Satav, and Dheeraj Lingade. Responding to their concerns, Vikhe-Patil revealed that a total of 1,000 acres of land under the Water Resources Department has been encroached upon. Over 500 bungalows, lawns, and resorts have been illegally constructed on these sites, with unauthorized landfilling also taking place to facilitate illegal occupation.

The MLAs questioned whether these encroachments have affected the water storage capacity of the dams and what actions the Water Resources Department has taken in response. Vikhe-Patil clarified that no encroachment has occurred in the underwater area of the dams, but encroachments have taken place in restricted zones. He assured that notices have been served to the offenders and that the process of removing these encroachments is underway.

The minister further stated that joint action involving the Revenue, Forest, and Home Departments, along with the Municipal Corporation, has been directed to clear encroachments in the dam and canal areas. These directives were reinforced during a workshop held in Pune in January. While some encroachments have already been removed, Vikhe-Patil assured that further action would be taken soon to clear the remaining illegal structures.