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Time of India
a day ago
- Business
- Time of India
Hinjewadi drowns again, poor planning blamed for flooding
Pune: Heavy rainfall once again left Hinjewadi roads submerged, making the daily commute challenging and dangerous. According to techie groups, poor civic planning, construction on natural streams, and a lack of administrative clarity are the root causes of the persistent waterlogging and gridlock in Pune's IT hub. On Thursday, some companies permitted work-from-home, while others allowed employees to leave early due to the downpour. Pavanjeet Mane, working president of the Forum for IT Employees, said, "Even a small amount of rain brings this place, which houses so many multinational companies, to a standstill. Some Hinjewadi Phase 2 residents reported power outages since Wednesday night." Describing Thursday's situation, Mane said, "All the roads were flooded, including the smaller connecting roads, so everybody was wading through water. Potholes as big as craters were not visible due to waterlogging, becoming a hazard for not just two-wheeler riders, but also four-wheelers." He added, "The problems have become so big that makeshift arrangements are not working. What we need is a comprehensive solution which addresses the administrative issues and the encroachment." Ravindra Sinha, a member of the Hinjewadi (IT Park) Residents' Welfare Association (HIRWA), said the first problem is that the area is governed by three bodies: MIDC, ZP, and PMRDA, making it an administrative nightmare, especially when people want to complain. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like USDJPY đang đi lên không? IC Markets Đăng ký Undo A PMRDA official, while speaking to TOI, said, "We acknowledge the civic challenges faced by the residents and commuters in Hinjewadi Phases 1, 2, and 3, particularly regarding rainwater drainage, road repairs, and essential amenities along the Metro corridor and surrounding areas. Under the direction of our Metropolitan Commissioner, Yogesh Mhase, the PMRDA, in coordination with key agencies including MIDC and the Metro Concessionaire Company, we have initiated a series of remedial actions. "
Time of India
3 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
PMRDA to provide Rs 4cr for viewing galleries, footpaths on new Kund Mala bridge
Pune: Deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar on Tuesday announced that the new bridge across Indrayani River at Kund Mala will feature viewing galleries and footpaths for tourists. "We have decided to build 8ft footpaths on both sides of the bridge, along with two viewing galleries for visitors," Pawar said. He said that two tourists from Delhi visited Kund Mala on Sunday and were injured when the bridge collapsed. "They will be provided with a special aircraft for their return," Pawar added. Kund Mala has a weir over which water flows. It is scenic in the monsoon as it resembles a waterfall. The bridge that collapsed offered a majestic view of the falls. Ajit Pawar added that additional works would increase the total project cost by approximately Rs 4 crore. "Funding for the main bridge (Rs 8 crore) has already been sanctioned. The extra amount for these additions will be provided by PMRDA," he said. The deputy CM said that the contractor will start construction of the new bridge after the monsoon and work may be completed in 10 to 11 months. Pawar, who also serves as the guardian minister of Pune, faced criticism from the opposition for not visiting the accident site despite being in the district on Sunday. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch vàng CFDs với mức chênh lệch giá thấp nhất IC Markets Đăng ký Undo He said, "I was monitoring the situation closely and receiving updates from the district collector. When senior politicians visit such sites, it diverts security and administrative personnel away from ongoing rescue efforts. Hence, I chose not to visit in person." The deputy CM also visited the hospital and met the injured. On the condition of the others injured in the bridge collapse, Pawar said most were discharged. "Currently, eight patients are in the ICU and all are stable," he said. The state govt has decided to dismantle all bridges deemed unsafe across Maharashtra, he added. "In the cabinet meeting, we decided that instead of simply putting up caution signs, unsafe bridges will be demolished and construction of new ones will be expedited," the deputy CM added.
Time of India
3 days ago
- General
- Time of India
Palkhi route almost clear of Metro debris: PMRDA
Pune: PMRDA has claimed to have nearly completed removal of Metro construction debris along the pilgrims' route before the Sant Dnyaneshwar and Sant Tukaram palkhi processions arrive this week, officials said on Tuesday. Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) drive gathered pace after deputy chief minister and Pune guardian minister Ajit Pawar warned of a Rs10 crore penalty on the Metro concessionaire if debris and blockages were not cleared on time. The statement came during a review meeting on Saturday. Pawar expressed concern over traffic congestion and waterlogging caused by the Metro line 3 works, emphasising that a clear and safe path must be ensured for warkaris. He also ordered removal of flex banners and hoardings along the route. PMRDA chief engineer Rinaj Pathan told TOI on Tuesday, "Debris removal is in the final stages and will be completed before the palkhi enters the city. Construction material and mud is being cleared to avoid inconvenience." The Metro line 3 corridor connects Maan-Hinjewadi to Shivajinagar and overlaps with the palkhi route between Sancheti Chowk and the Agriculture College flyover. PMRDA has resurfaced roads, filled potholes and cleaned stormwater drains along the stretch, said the engineer. Metro barricades have been realigned closer to piers to ease movement. Debris and obstructions have been cleared and key road segments widened. The Metro concessionaire has assured that all ongoing work along the corridor is structurally stable and poses no threat to pilgrims. Meanwhile, additional metropolitan commissioner Deepak Singla is supervising debris removal between Metro stations and viaducts in Hinjewadi after PMRDA commissioner Yogesh Mhase chaired a coordination meeting on June 11, giving a week to complete the work. Drainage work is also going on in front of the building at Metro station 2, along with general drain cleaning along the corridor, said another official. Further, the buildings permission department has issued a notice to a private project for violations and demolition of an illegal ramp near the Metro station 3 has begun. Officials further said debris has been cleared at Pandavnagar (Hinjewadi phase II). MIDC, PMRDA and the Tata Company held a joint inspection of streetlights and have ordered repairs and rectification, officials said. Unauthorised stalls near Metro station 1 have been removed. Earlier, citizens had demanded that civic issues in Hinjewadi be immediately addressed. They were part of the joint meeting held last week and had demanded for a time-bound work to address their issues. Group members told TOI they are happy there is progress.
Hindustan Times
4 days ago
- Climate
- Hindustan Times
Flood relief work in Hinjewadi continues despite PMRDA deadline
The flood relief and infrastructure works by Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) and Maha-Metro Line-3 contractor Tata Projects is going on despite the June 15 deadline set by Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) commissioner Yogesh Mhase following severe waterlogging in Hinjewadi on June 7. PMRDA and MIDC officials conducted a joint review meeting and inspected the affected areas on Monday. Heavy waterlogging on June 7 and June 13 turned Hinjewadi IT Park roads into flood zones. MIDC inspection found that barricades installed by the metro authorities in the middle of roads had blocked natural rainwater flow, leading to flooding on one side. The barricades were removed the next day. MLA Shankar Mandekar visited the site on June 9 along with PMRDA, MIDC, and metro officials. Mhase chaired a meeting with officials on June 11 directing them to act swiftly. On June 16, MIDC joint CEO Vijay Rathod and PMRDA joint commissioner Deepak Singla visited the site again. 'Work will be completed in 2–3 days,' said Nitin Wankhade, chief engineer, MIDC. 'They have cleaned a few spots and helped reduce waterlogging,' said Pawanjeet Mane, president, Hinjawadi IT Park Residents Welfare Association. He has urged authorities to clean major junctions and the eight-km stretch from NH-48 to Phase 3. Ravindra Sinha, another resident member, said, 'They have made efforts like opening median gaps and clearing drains. But these are not enough to handle the 20 crore litres of runoff from the 5,000-acre catchment area. Reviving natural streams and removing illegal constructions are the only long-term solutions.' Mhase said, 'Officials will submit progress report to the chief minister on Wednesday. Road repairs are affected due to continuous rain.'
Hindustan Times
6 days ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Ajit Pawar warns Metro of ₹10 crore fine over debris, traffic chaos
Maharashtra deputy chief minister and Pune district guardian minister Ajit Pawar has come down heavily on Maha-Metro and civic officials over the growing traffic congestion and waterlogging issues, causing public inconvenience in Pune. He issued a stern warning to the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA), threatening a penalty of ₹10 crore to the metro for failure to clear debris from metro construction before the Palkhi arrival. Pawar was in Pune for the traffic review meeting and criticised the stalled metro works, especially in areas like Hinjewadi, which have become major obstacles to smooth traffic flow. 'If the rubble and blockages caused by the Metro project are not removed immediately, a penalty notice of ₹10 crore will be issued by PMRDA to Metro. Metro officials have requested an extension of two to three days to clear the debris,' he said. Pune has been facing relentless rainfall, leading to severe waterlogging in low-lying areas. Combined with incomplete metro works and debris-filled roads, this has worsened traffic congestion in several parts of the city. Pawar reviews Wari preparedness Pawar also reviewed preparations for the annual Ashadhi Wari pilgrimage, during which thousands of devotees of Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj and Sant Tukaram Maharaj arrive in Pune with their palkhis (holy processions), further straining traffic flow. 'During the Palkhi procession, devotees often take whichever roads are accessible. It is essential to ensure that no debris or mud remains on these routes to avoid inconvenience,' he said. He also directed officials to remove all flex banners and advertising hoardings from the Palkhi routes to maintain a clear passage for the devotees. In light of the recent flood-like situation at Dive Ghat on Friday, Pawar instructed the administration to take comprehensive safety measures along the Wari route, which is scheduled for later this month. Pawar chaired a review meeting attended by divisional commissioner Chandrakant Pulkundwar, Pune municipal commissioner Nawal Kishore Ram, Pimpri-Chinchwad municipal commissioner Shekhar Singh, and district collector Jitendra Dudi. 'The road widening work at Dive Ghat is ongoing, and thousands of Warkaris will pass through this stretch. The administration must install proper barricades to ensure safe passage of the Palkhi. Given the heavy rain witnessed recently, officials should remain on high alert,' Pawar said. He also instructed the Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL) to deploy personnel in alert mode along the Wari route in both Pune and Solapur districts. Additionally, he emphasised the need to provide clean drinking water, proper sanitation, and access to healthcare services for the Warkaris. During the meeting, Pawar also reviewed the city's COVID-19 situation. While he noted that the situation remains under control, he urged continued vigilance. 'There is no need to panic, but we must stay alert. The government has made adequate preparations. However, basic precautions must still be observed, especially during large gatherings like the Wari,' he said.
