Water Resources Department Clears 500 Illegal Encroachments Around Pune Dams in One Month
Pune, 6th December 2025: In a significant enforcement drive, the Water Resources Department has removed nearly 500 illegal encroachments across the Khadakwasla, Panshet, Varasgaon, Kasarsai, and Pavana dam areas within a month. A detailed report has been submitted to Water Resources Minister Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil, who has directed officials to continue the campaign, emphasizing that the integrity of Pune’s vital water reservoirs must not be compromised.
Concerns about rampant encroachments and pollution in dam catchment zones had been repeatedly flagged by citizens and environmental groups. The matter reached the Legislative Assembly, prompting Vikhe Patil to assure stringent action. Following his promise, the district administration launched an extensive demolition drive last month, targeting unauthorized small and large structures set up in restricted areas.
One of the major actions included the removal of a 20-guntha illegal structure belonging to a resort project linked to a relative of a well-known political leader near Khadakwasla dam.
Several encroachers initially managed to secure a court stay to delay action. However, the Water Resources Department contested the order, and the court later vacated the stay, paving the way for the crackdown to resume.
Officials confirmed that the operation will continue until all remaining violations are cleared, ensuring protection of Pune’s drinking water sources and preventing further environmental degradation.
