Pune: PMC Officials Visit Ganga Kingston Society Amid Water Contamination Concerns in Mohammadwadi–NIBM Annexe

Reported by Shoaib Tadvi
Mohammadwadi, 30th September 2025: Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) officials visited Ganga Kingston Society in the Mohammadwadi–NIBM Annexe area on Friday to assess water contamination and drainage issues, following rising concerns among residents.

The visit came after social worker and resident Jaymala Dhankikar filed a complaint at Kalepadal Police Station, requesting an FIR against the PMC for alleged inaction in preventing unauthorized dumping of construction debris into a natural nullah near the society. The nullah, reportedly filled with rubble, stones, and other waste by nearby developers, has blocked drainage and altered the watercourse.

Contaminated Water Poses Health Risks
Dhankikar said the issue escalated after water seepage was noticed on September 18. The illegal dumping caused rainwater and drainage water to mix, contaminating the society’s water storage tanks and posing serious health hazards.

“Builders have altered or completely filled the natural nullah. This is illegal and dangerous. Frequent flooding is mixing sewage with rainwater, seeping into our clean water sources. The health of the entire society is at stake,” Dhankikar said. She urged PMC to take immediate action against developers releasing untreated drainage water onto the roads.

PMC Assures Swift Action
Following Dhankikar’s outreach to PMC Commissioner Naval Kishore Ram, a delegation including officials from Health, Drainage, Building Permissions, and Solid Waste Management departments, along with representatives of Raheja Builders, visited the society.

Officials interacted with residents and collected feedback, with Dhankikar highlighting the need for robust drainage infrastructure. In a joint statement, PMC officials assured residents that corrective measures would begin immediately.

“We understand the gravity of the situation. Water contamination is a serious concern, and we will initiate corrective action on a war footing,” a senior PMC official said.

Residents Demand Accountability
Residents have demanded that PMC issue show-cause notices to the developers responsible for altering the nullah and take strict punitive action. Dhankikar also called for a comprehensive survey of natural drainage channels, followed by desilting, restoration, and legal protection from encroachment.

The PMC has promised to send water samples for lab testing, decontaminate affected tanks, and develop a sustainable infrastructure plan for high-density residential areas like Mohammadwadi–NIBM Annexe.