A town planning body has identified 13 locations around an IT hub in Pune where builders and other entities blocked or diverted the natural flow of streams and drains, resulting in severe waterlogging earlier this month.
Officials of the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) on Wednesday said they have initiated action against those responsible for the violations in Hinjewadi and surrounding areas, and started the process of restoring the natural drainage system.
Severe waterlogging was witnessed along the under construction Metro route in Hinjewadi IT Park area after heavy rains on June 9, following which locals and those working at various firms at the tech hub raised concerns as commuting was disrupted.
Natural flow of streams and drains was diverted
The PMRDA, in a statement, said it has identified 13 such places where the natural flow of streams and drains was diverted or changed in the area.
"Several builders, companies and residents within the PMRDA and MIDC (Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation) limits have unilaterally blocked or diverted the natural watercourses. In many instances, unauthorised constructions have been carried out," it said.
"The entities concerned have been instructed to remove these constructions or face action," it said.
PMRDA Commissioner Dr Yogesh Mhase directed the officials to take action against those who diverted the natural flow of streams and drains, the statement said.
"The administration has issued stop-work orders. In the coming days, criminal cases may be filed against those who continue with illegal construction or refuse to cooperate with the administration," it added.
