Pune: PMRDA Cracks Down in Hinjawadi as Case Registered Against Individuals and Establishments for Severe Rainwater Clogging
Reported by Varad Bhatkhande
Hinjawadi, 5th July 2025: The Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) has registered two criminal cases against individuals in Hinjawadi for contributing to environmental degradation in the area. PMRDA Metropolitan Commissioner Dr. Yogesh Mhase, during his inspection of Hinjawadi on 1st July, had warned that those failing to comply with official directives would face legal action.
Late Saturday night, the Hinjawadi Police registered a case against nearly 15 individuals and establishments for violating PMRDA guidelines. The list includes landowners and businesses such as Pankaj Sakhare, Gurukrupa Motors, Mahavir Courier Service, City Cell, Hotel Mayuri (developer), Shashikant Sakhare, Shaliwahan Sakhare (both landowners), Vitthal Tadkewar, Gurukrupa Bangles Store (developer), a government-approved country liquor shop, a scrap shop (developer), Heena Chicken, and a local washing center.
These entities are accused of obstructing natural drainage paths, which has resulted in severe waterlogging in Hinjawadi during rains, effectively turning the area into a “waterpark.”
Speaking to the media, Commissioner Mhase had stated, “There isn’t just one issue in Hinjawadi; multiple issues persist. The natural drainage channels have been blocked, which is the main reason for waterlogging. Ongoing Metro construction has further added to the problem. Some of these issues fall under PMRDA’s purview, while others are under MIDC. We identified 15 waterlogging hotspots and instructed responsible parties to act 15 days ago. While most have complied, a few are yet to take action. In our last review meeting, PMRDA and MIDC issued stop-work orders to 12 companies and developers. If they continue to defy directives, FIRs will be filed. All encroachments on natural drainage paths will be cleared, and strict measures will follow.”
A PMRDA spokesperson confirmed, “By registering these cases, PMRDA has demonstrated its commitment to resolving the long-standing issues in Hinjawadi.” The complaint was filed by PMRDA employee Harish Mane (age 35) at the Hinjawadi Police Station.
A case has been registered under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) sections 270 (public nuisance), 324 (mischief), 326 (mischief by injury, inundation, fire or explosive substance, etc.), 329 (criminal trespass and house-trespass), 61 (criminal conspiracy), and 3(5) (common intention).
A legal expert noted, “If proven in court, these charges could lead to significant penalties, including imprisonment and heavy fines.”
Assistant Police Inspector Vangnekar of the Hinjawadi Police Station is leading the investigation.
