Pune: Man-Made Blockages Behind Waterlogging Crisis in Hinjawadi IT Park; 15 Natural Water Channels Obstructed

Hinjawadi, 21st June 2025: The recurring water logging issues at Rajiv Gandhi Infotech Park in Hinjawadi are not merely a result of heavy rainfall — they are the outcome of human-induced disruptions in natural water flow, a recent survey by the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) has revealed.

According to the official survey, 15 natural water channels that once flowed from surrounding hills into nearby rivers have been intentionally blocked within the IT park area. The obstructions have occurred due to the construction of commercial complexes, IT company campuses, and residential buildings, many of which have come up directly on natural drainage paths.

The PMRDA has taken serious note of these violations and is considering legal action against the unauthorized structures. However, officials admit that due to the scale of construction, demolishing these buildings could be an impractical and disruptive step. Instead, the authority is exploring the feasibility of creating alternative routes for the diverted water channels.

Residents and professionals working in Hinjawadi, Marunji, and Maan have long complained of heavy water accumulation on roads during monsoon. Local citizens had previously alleged that encroachments on natural streams were to blame. The PMRDA’s latest survey confirms these suspicions.

“Fifteen locations where watercourses have been blocked have been identified. The permissions granted to these constructions are being re-examined. At the same time, we are also planning long-term engineering solutions to rechannel water flow in these areas,” said Dr. Yogesh Mhase, Commissioner, PMRDA.

The report will also be submitted to the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, who is the chairperson of the PMRDA, for further action.

Demand for a Dedicated Authority
The complexity of jurisdiction in the Rajiv Gandhi IT Park area — involving MIDC, Pune Municipal Corporation, Metro, PMRDA, MSEB, and Police — forces residents and professionals to navigate multiple departments for even routine issues. In light of this, there is a growing demand for a dedicated administrative authority for the IT park and its surrounding areas, such as Maan and Marunji.

“A single governing body with a competent officer in charge must be set up for Rajiv Gandhi IT Park. This will streamline operations, reduce delays, and improve accountability,” said local stakeholders in their appeal to the Chief Minister.