It has become evident that the repeated flooding in Pune’s Hinjewadi IT Park is largely man-made. In response to the recent waterlogging incidents in the area, two individuals have voluntarily removed unauthorised constructions that were obstructing a nullah. This follows a warning issued by the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA), which had identified 15 sites where the natural flow of water had been blocked due to encroachments.

Although two of these encroachments have now been cleared, action is still pending at the remaining 13 locations. The issue was brought into sharp focus during a recent high-level meeting chaired by PMRDA Commissioner Dr Yogesh Mhase. The meeting was attended by public representatives, administrative officials, civic bodies, and local residents’ associations.

It was convened to develop a coordinated plan to address the severe waterlogging witnessed in Hinjewadi Phases 1, 2, and 3, as well as areas along the Metro corridor during the heavy rainfall in May. A recent PMRDA survey revealed that the primary cause of flooding was unauthorised construction on natural drainage paths and stormwater routes.