PMRDA, MIDC finalise agency for flood mitigation study in Hinjewadi

Pune: PMRDA and Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) have finalised an agency to conduct flood mitigation study in Hinjawadi. The agency will begin work on Monday.PMRDA commissioner Yogesh Mhase said the selected agency will assess flood-prone zones, watershed behaviour, and drainage systems to propose short- and long-term solutions. He added that building permissions will be strictly governed by the findings of the study, requiring clearance from the irrigation department. "No construction will be allowed on natural drains. We have already withheld several permissions and are extremely cautious after the recent flooding in Ekta Nagar. Nullah diversions earlier permitted on private land were done with approval from the irrigation department," he said.The decision follows directives from the Chief Minister's Office to address flooding and civic issues in Hinjawadi. Principal secretary to CM Ashwini Bhide recently held a review meeting with PMRDA officials and pushed for urgent action."The agency will first submit a detailed report on Hinjawadi within a month. It will also conduct a study of the rest of the PMRDA region, the report of which is expected in the following four to five months," Mhase said.Mhase said that building permissions in Hinjawadi and the rest of the region will now be strictly governed by the findings of this agency's report and clearances from the irrigation department. "No construction will be allowed on natural drains. We have already withheld several permissions and are extremely cautious after the recent flooding in Ekta Nagar. Nullah diversions earlier permitted on private land were done with approval from the irrigation department," he said."Once the Hinjawadi-specific assessment is submitted, it will serve as a model for the remaining areas. Until the full study is completed and clearances are obtained, no new constructions will be allowed on or near natural drainage channels in the area," another PMRDA official said. PMRDA currently handles 140 infrastructure projects across the region, with 16 completed and 29 under construction, said Mhase. These span Metro rail expansion, taluka road networks, river rejuvenation, housing, and regional connectivity, at various stages of planning, procurement, and land acquisition.