Resolve Hinjewadi IT Park woes by July 25 or face stir: MP Supriya Sule warns Maharashtra govt

PUNE: MP Supriya Sule on Friday warned that if the mounting civic and infrastructure issues in the Hinjewadi IT Park area are not resolved by July 25, she will launch an agitation on July 26. Following a ground survey of the area, Sule reiterated her long-standing demand for a dedicated authority to address the region’s complex governance challenges.In a strongly worded letter to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Sule called for the creation of a Special City Development Authority or an Industrial Township Authority with autonomous powers for the Hinjawadi-Maan-Marunji cluster and nearby villages including Jambhe, Gahunje, Nande, Lavale, Pirangut, and Bhukum. "There must be integrated planning, funding and service delivery. Right now, the governance is fragmented," she told TOI.The Rajiv Gandhi Infotech Park, which houses over 300 IT companies and employs more than 3 lakh professionals, contributes significantly to Maharashtra’s economy. According to the 2024 STPI report, the Pune region accounts for a majority of the Rs 1.05 lakh crore annual software exports. Yet, Sule noted, the area continues to suffer from poor civic amenities, traffic congestion, unauthorized construction, and frequent waterlogging.

“There has been rampant construction over natural drainage channels in multiple locations. This has worsened flooding issues,” she said, adding that Metro debris, uncleaned drains, and incomplete roads have compounded the crisis.During her Friday visit, Sule said she had repeatedly sought time from the CM and demanded a comprehensive meeting with all stakeholders. “When he takes the meeting, it must be a jumbo meeting with all stakeholders, not just a formality,” she said.She also called for the removal of Metro construction debris, immediate cleaning of all drains, and completion of roads within a year—commitments that, she said, were made to her by officials. A review meeting with the Industries Minister is scheduled for July 8, she added.Sule said she would now visit the area twice a month to monitor the situation. Responding to local demands to merge the area with Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC), she said, “We are open to any solution—whether PCMC or a new authority—as long as the issues are addressed.”she saidThe demands include: a moratorium on new building permissions until basic infrastructure is ensured, Fast-tracked civic upgrades in roads, water, waste management, policing, and transport, a single-window governance system to reduce administrative delays and involvement of citizens and industry bodies in local planning and execution.