South Pune’s Wadachiwadi Lake Faces Ecological Collapse Amid Neglect and Urbanisation

Pune, 28th May 2026: Residents and environmental groups from south Pune have raised serious concerns over the deteriorating condition of the Wadachiwadi lake in the Mohammadwadi-Undri area after the water body dried up completely, prompting renewed demands for urgent restoration measures.

Locals said the lake, once considered an important ecological and groundwater resource for the region, has gradually turned into a dry and barren patch due to years of neglect, heavy silt accumulation, encroachments and inadequate maintenance. Citizens fear that if immediate intervention is not undertaken, the area could face long-term environmental consequences, including declining groundwater levels and loss of biodiversity.

Ward 41 corporator Nivrutti Anna Bandal has formally appealed to Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) Commissioner Naval Kishore Ram to prioritise the revival of the lake and initiate a scientific restoration project.
In his representation to the civic administration, Bandal stated that the lake holds ecological as well as social significance for residents of south Pune and warned that continued inaction could result in permanent damage to the natural water body.

He urged the PMC to undertake desilting work, improve water conservation systems, restore feeder channels and prepare a long-term ecological rehabilitation strategy. Bandal also recommended measures such as fencing around the lake, plantation activities and regular monitoring to prevent future degradation.

According to local residents, the lake earlier retained water for most of the year and supported birds, aquatic life and nearby farming activity. However, rapid urbanisation in the Mohammadwadi-Undri belt, coupled with poor civic planning, has severely impacted the ecosystem over time.

The Mohammadwadi Undri Residents Welfare Development Foundation (MURWDF), which has been actively raising civic and infrastructure issues in the area, has also supported the demand for restoration and called upon both the PMC and the Maharashtra government to treat the matter as an environmental priority.

Members of the foundation said the drying up of the lake reflects a broader environmental crisis affecting Pune’s suburban regions, where natural water bodies are increasingly shrinking because of construction pressure and lack of conservation efforts.

MURWDF member Sunil Aiyer said urban lakes are critical for maintaining groundwater recharge, supporting biodiversity and regulating local climate conditions.

“The condition of Wadachiwadi lake is alarming because it reflects years of neglect despite repeated requests from residents. Reviving such lakes is not just about beautification; it is directly linked to environmental sustainability and long-term water security,” he said.

Aiyer further pointed out that south Pune has witnessed rapid residential expansion in recent years, while supporting infrastructure and environmental planning have failed to keep pace with the growth.

“Residents in the area are already dealing with water shortages, poor roads and drainage issues. Restoration of natural water bodies can play a major role in improving water resilience in the future. Authorities must prepare a time-bound action plan with accountability and citizen participation,” he added.

Resident activist Sunil Koloti said the disappearance of the lake has also affected the emotional and cultural connection people had with the area.
“Older residents remember when the lake remained full for most of the year and attracted birds and visitors. Today, it stands as a reminder of administrative neglect. If urgent action is not taken, future generations may never even know that a lake existed here,” Koloti said.

Environmental experts have repeatedly highlighted the importance of lakes and wetlands in cities like Pune for reducing urban heat, managing rainwater runoff and sustaining groundwater levels, especially amid changing climate patterns.

Residents alleged that despite several complaints and follow-ups, no major restoration work has yet been carried out at the site. MURWDF has demanded a joint inspection involving PMC officials, environmental experts and local representatives to assess the extent of degradation and prepare a practical restoration roadmap.

Tehseen Teerandaz, a resident of Sai Shraddha bungalow society in Pisoli, said water bodies in the Undri-Pisoli region are facing increasing pressure due to unchecked urbanisation and dumping activities.

“Wadachiwadi lake and other nearby water bodies are crucial ecological assets for this region. Continuous dumping, lack of maintenance and rapid construction activities are pushing them towards irreversible damage. Authorities and citizens must work together to protect and restore these lakes before they disappear completely,” he said.

Teerandaz added that regular desilting, strict action against dumping and plantation around lake boundaries are urgently required to preserve the environmental balance of the fast-growing suburbs.

Civic activists have also suggested that Wadachiwadi lake should be included in Pune’s broader biodiversity conservation and climate resilience planning, along with dedicated funding and periodic environmental audits.

While PMC officials had not issued a formal statement till late evening, Commissioner Naval Kishore Ram said the civic administration considers the restoration of Wadachiwadi lake an important priority.

“The lake is not just a water body, but an important environmental and social asset for the city. PMC is committed to supporting all efforts towards its restoration, rejuvenation and conservation so that it can benefit future generations,” Ram said.

Residents said they hope increasing public attention and civic pressure will finally push authorities to begin restoration work before the monsoon season arrives.