Pune: Heavy Rains Flood Hinjawadi IT Hub, Residents Demand Permanent Flood Management Solutions

Hinjawadi, 9th June 2025: Hinjawadi, Pune’s prominent IT corridor, was left waterlogged after intense rainfall, with dramatic visuals of flooded roads resembling rivers going viral on social media. The deluge triggered widespread criticism of Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) and Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) authorities, as citizens questioned the lack of effective flood management in the rapidly developing IT hub.

In response to public outrage, MIDC officials initiated emergency clean-up operations on Sunday morning. Old pipelines and stormwater drains in the Maan area were cleared to restore the natural flow of rainwater. Temporary repairs included cleaning clogged drains and stormwater channels, removing debris near the Döehler India Private Limited, and clearing footpaths in the Gaware Mala area with JCB machines. Additionally, dividers under the metro bridge were broken to facilitate water drainage, and potholes on roads were filled with gravel and stones to ensure safer passage.

Despite these immediate efforts, residents and local leaders stressed that such measures are only short-term fixes. There is a growing demand for permanent and robust flood management solutions in Hinjawadi, especially as the area continues to expand with IT companies and housing projects. Archana Aadhav, Sarpanch of Maan, emphasized that while MIDC collects significant revenue from IT companies and real estate developments, it must also prioritize providing adequate infrastructure.

Ganesh Jambhulkar, Sarpanch of Hinjawadi, echoed these concerns, stating that local representatives are frequently approached by residents seeking solutions, yet administrative bodies show little seriousness about addressing the recurring flooding issues.

Traffic police have issued directives for better rainwater drainage at key junctions, including Butterfly Chowk near PVR Mall and the Bank of Maharashtra Chowk, to prevent future waterlogging. However, the consensus among the community is clear: Hinjawadi’s flood woes require lasting solutions, not just temporary patchwork, to protect the IT hub’s infrastructure and its growing population.