Pune: Unauthorized Excavation for CCTV Project Sparks Civic Action; PMC to Issue Notice to Contractor
Pune, 10th October 2025: The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) is set to issue a notice to the contractor handling the city’s police CCTV installation project for carrying out unauthorized excavation work across several suburban areas without prior approval. The civic body had granted permission for only 28 kilometers of digging in central Pune, but excavation has reportedly begun in multiple parts of the city beyond the sanctioned limits.
According to Aniruddha Pawaskar, Head of PMC’s Road Department, the digging activity for the CCTV cable network has been extended illegally into suburban zones. “For the police CCTV project, permission has been granted for 28 kilometers of work in the central city areas only. However, we have received complaints about extensive unauthorized excavation in suburban parts. A letter will be issued to stop this work immediately,” he said.
The CCTV project, spearheaded by the Pune Police, aims to enhance citywide surveillance with 1,600 kilometers of cabling, out of which 550 kilometers will be laid within Pune city limits. However, the Home Department has transferred the responsibility for road restoration after excavation to the PMC — a move that has caused friction.
“Normally, any agency digging city roads must pay the PMC ₹5,500 per running meter for repair costs. But since the corporation itself is short on funds, road restoration after excavation has been delayed or ignored,” an official source said.
Adding to the urgency, Pune is preparing to host international cycling competitions in January, which will require about 75 kilometers of city roads to be in top condition. The civic body has earmarked ₹125 crore for the event’s road improvement work. To ensure readiness, the Municipal Commissioner had earlier instructed that all excavation work be completed within 15 days. However, officials say contractors have misused this directive to carry out digging across the city without necessary permissions.
Citizens Face Inconvenience as Access Roads Blocked
Several residential societies and commercial establishments have reported severe inconvenience due to the unplanned digging. Contractors have been excavating near society gates and shop entrances, leaving no passage for vehicles. This has caused traffic chaos during morning hours, especially for parents dropping children at school and office-goers.
Residents complain that once the roads are dug, they remain blocked for three to four hours until the cable-laying is complete, often leading to arguments between locals and workers. The PMC’s road department has received numerous complaints over the last few days regarding this issue.
PMC to Enforce Strict Action
With rising public anger and continued violation of excavation norms, the PMC’s Road Department has decided to take immediate corrective action. Notices will be issued to the contractor responsible, directing them to halt all unauthorized digging and comply strictly with civic regulations.
