PMRDA Halts Construction in Wagholi Amid Sewage and Drainage Issues

Pune: A stop-work order issued by the Pune Metropolitan Regional Development Authority (PMRDA) has brought a measure of relief to residents of Wagholi's internal Baif Road. For nearly two years, these residents have been forced to wade through sewage around their homes, making life miserable.

The order, passed on October 9, puts a stop to two ongoing construction projects in the area. Builders have been given a 60-day deadline to submit an alternative building development plan that ensures proper management of drainage and sewage in the future.

The stop-work order came after a series of meetings between PMRDA officials, Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) engineers, builders, and residents over the past few weeks. A site inspection was also conducted by PMRDA officials recently.

The Times of India (TOI) had highlighted the issue in a report titled 'Sewage is Everywhere in This Wagholi Locality' on September 8, 2025. According to residents, indiscriminate construction without upgrading drainage infrastructure had turned their lives into a nightmare. Sewage constantly overflowed into their yards, the stench was unbearable, and the fear of disease was ever-present.

On Friday, residents expressed their gratitude for the TOI report, which caught the attention of officials. Rupesh Pardeshi, chairman of Kalpak Homes, one of the worst-affected societies, said, 'Before the article was published, we had approached officials many times, but in vain. Our faith was shaken. Now, the order gives relief to over 5,000 residents, and we are grateful for it.'

'Our only hope now is that PMRDA sticks to the order and holds builders responsible if they do not follow through,' he added.

According to the order, the two builders must submit an alternative plan to address the sewage issues that will arise from their constructions once they are occupied. The plan must be submitted to PMRDA for approval before work on the sites can resume.

Avinash Patil, director of town planning for PMRDA, told TOI, 'I attended the site visit. We had a few meetings with residents and other officials. Builders cannot be allowed to continue this way. It will get worse if the site is completed and once people start living there. We don't want the same issue to repeat. The authorities concerned will also look into larger drainage issues. We will ensure that the plan submitted adheres to rules and resolves the issue before the stop-work order is revoked.'

Another resident of Wagholi, who requested anonymity citing security concerns, noted that this is just the first step. 'When we met officials, our goal was to resolve the issue of internal Baif Road, but multiple other areas in Wagholi alone face similar problems. If PMRDA follows through, it will help thousands and set a precedent for how builders and authorities must operate. We hope our drainage issues and those faced by main Baif Road residents reduce, as our sewage should ultimately connect to the main line,' the resident said.

A total of 11 societies affected by the drainage issues in this locality attended the meetings. Residents also raised concerns about FSI misuse and false documents submitted by builders.

'We are grateful for this action but hope PMRDA takes the right call after the 60-day deadline is met. It's not just one decision, but a series of them that will resolve the issue. We have suffered enough,' said another resident, Ajay Pardeshi.

While the 60-day deadline is underway, residents are planning to file a joint petition in the National Green Tribunal (NGT) to ensure accountability and a permanent resolution.