Pune Hill Excavation: ETS Survey Ordered to Check Extent of Alleged Excess Digging in Karvenagar
Karvenagar, 24th August 2026: Alleged illegal excavation and hill cutting have been reported on a hill slope in the Hingne Home Colony area of Karvenagar, with local residents claiming that large-scale excavation has continued despite permission being granted for limited work.
The excavation is reportedly being carried out at Survey No. 18, Plot 5/3, behind Marathwada Mitra Mandal College. Residents allege that the land is being excavated and levelled and that the work has continued for several months.
The ongoing excavation has reportedly resulted in noise and dust pollution in the surrounding residential area. Residents have raised concerns about the environmental impact and the potential risks associated with continued hill cutting. They have also questioned whether authorities will take action only after an incident similar to the Malin landslide.
According to information provided by the administration, permission was granted on May 9, 2025, for the excavation of 500 brass of material, with the work required to be completed within one month. However, residents allege that excavation continued well beyond the permitted limit and that more than 20,000 brass of material may have been excavated.
Local corporator Reshma Santosh Barate has reportedly been raising the issue with the civic administration and the Sub-Divisional Magistrate for the past four months. She also raised the matter during the General Body meeting this week.
Tehsildar Dr Archana Nikam directed the concerned officials to conduct an Electronic Total Station (ETS) survey to determine the exact extent of the excavation. However, residents claim that the excavation work has continued despite the directions.
“We have issued a notice to the concerned institution, and a hearing has already been conducted, during which the institution presented its side. We are awaiting the ETS measurement report to determine the exact extent of the excavation. If excess excavation is found, further action will be taken,” said Dr Archana Nikam, Tehsildar.
