Pune: Over 300 Notices Issued for Encroachments on Panshet–Varasgaon Dam Lands
Velhe, 27th November 2025: The Water Resources Department has issued notices to more than 300 individuals for alleged encroachments on government land in the Panshet and Varasgaon dam areas of Rajgad taluka. Action has already been taken at over 40 locations, including hotels, resorts, and farmhouses situated along the Pune–Panshet Road, Sub-Divisional Engineer Mohan Bhadane of the Khadakwasla Water Resources Division said on Thursday.
The notices have triggered concern among dam-affected families who have been residing in these settlements for over five decades. Despite rehabilitation measures after the construction of Panshet and Varasgaon dams, 38 villages remain situated on government-acquired land along the reservoir banks. These include Ambegaon Khurd, Warghad, Parvati, Ambegaon Budruk, Thangaon Ghodshet, Koshimabir, Kambegi, Mangaon, Pole, Bhalwadi, Shirkoli, Admal, and Sayu Budruk, among others.
Residents argue that while they have been denied official village headquarters status for years, essential facilities such as Gram Panchayat offices, temples, crematoriums, schools, animal hospitals, and water supply infrastructure have been established in these areas by the government itself. They fear that eviction action could disrupt thousands of families who have not been granted legal land rights till date.
Former Pune District Katraj Dudh Sangh chairman Bhagwanrao Pasalkar said the remaining land after dam construction should have been allotted to the original farmers. “We have submitted a request to Chief Engineer Hanumant Dhumal urging authorities not to take action against long-settled dam-affected families,” he added.
Former Zilla Parishad member Amol Nalawade noted that proposals to regularise the settlements and grant formal village status have been pending before the government for over a decade. “These families have lived here for generations. Numerous development projects have already been executed. Legal recognition must be granted,” he said.
Engineer Bhadane clarified that action is currently focused on unauthorized commercial properties. “Hotels, resorts, and farmhouses constructed on government-owned land in Panshet, Varasgaon, and Khadakwasla dam areas are being removed in the first phase. Notices have also been served to residential structures in resettled villages, in accordance with government orders,” he said.
He added that the ongoing drive would continue to remove illegal encroachments along the dam zones and major approach routes.
