Pune: Delay in Culvert Construction Caused Flooding in Hinjawadi IT Park, Says PMRDA
The Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) has held the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) responsible for the severe waterlogging in Hinjawadi IT Park on June 7, citing delays in constructing a crucial culvert. Despite below-average rainfall this month, the area faced flash floods, disrupting traffic and damaging vehicles.
The Rajiv Gandhi Infotech Park, home to over 400 IT firms and nearly a million jobs, remains prone to flooding despite repeated warnings. PMRDA officials stated that MIDC ignored follow-ups for a year regarding the culvert, a key interim flood management measure during metro construction.
According to Zomato’s AWS data, Hinjawadi received just 25.8 mm (Phase 1) and 19.2 mm (Phase 2) of rain—far below June’s 46.2 mm average. Experts called the flooding “alarming” given the minimal rainfall.
Background Newsstory: Pune: Heavy Rains Flood Hinjawadi IT Park, Vehicles Swept Away; Bhosari; Roads Submerged
The Forum for IT Employees (FITE) highlighted clogged drains filled with metro construction debris, demanding an audit. Employees reported worsening traffic and safety risks due to potholes and unchecked construction.
Industry leaders and politicians criticized the negligence. MCCIA’s Prashant Girbane warned of reputational damage to India’s IT sector, while NCP (SP) MP Supriya Sule and Congress’s Mohan Joshi slammed authorities for poor infrastructure. Residents and workers echoed frustrations over hazardous roads and prolonged commutes.
Once a tech hub showcase, Hinjawadi now grapples with flooding, traffic chaos, and crumbling infrastructure, raising urgent calls for civic action.
