Pune Corporators Decry Rs 5 Crore Drainage Fund Diversion from Newly Merged Areas
The recent approval by the standing committee to redirect Rs 5 crore from budgetary allocations for 2025-26, originally earmarked for constructing a drainage supply system in newly merged areas, has sparked strong criticism from local corporators. The funds, intended to address infrastructure deficits in 23 areas incorporated into Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) limits in 2021, are now slated for drainage works in two wards of Bhavani Peth, with Rs 2.5 crore allocated to each ward.
Corporators Voice Concerns Over Infrastructure Neglect
Kaka Chavan, a corporator representing Khadakwasla, expressed frustration, stating, "The PMC administration must utilize funds for their designated purposes. Newly merged areas require heightened attention as they suffer from a lack of basic infrastructure." This sentiment echoes broader concerns about the prioritization of resources in Pune's expanding urban landscape.
The proposal is set to be presented at a general body meeting on February 18, where further debate is expected. A civic official defended the move, explaining, "Available funds for merged areas are insufficient. Additionally, budgeted funds must be used within the financial year or they lapse. Hence, the diversion is necessary. The general body's decision will be respected and implemented."
Background on Sewage Infrastructure Projects
This controversy unfolds against the backdrop of a larger sewage pipeline network project for the newly included areas. Two years ago, PMC developed a detailed project report valued at Rs 1,437.94 crore. The comprehensive plan involves:
- Replacing old, low-capacity sewage lines
- Laying 472 kilometers of new pipelines
- Installing 90.5 kilometers of main lines
- Constructing eight sewage treatment plants
In 2025, the state urban development department approved Rs 332 crore for this initiative. Furthermore, Rs 533.85 crore has been sanctioned under the Central Government's Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) scheme. Of this amount, Rs 343.13 crore is allocated for sewage pipeline installation, and Rs 190.72 crore for building treatment plants, as confirmed by officials.
The diversion of Rs 5 crore, while a fraction of the total project cost, highlights ongoing challenges in funding distribution and infrastructure development in Pune's rapidly growing municipal area. Corporators argue that redirecting resources from newly merged zones, which already face significant infrastructure gaps, undermines efforts to achieve equitable urban development and address pressing sanitation needs.
