NGT Orders PMC to Build Sewage Infrastructure in 23 Merged Villages Within Six Months; PMRDA’s Development Role Reinforced
Pune, 27 July 2025: In a landmark ruling, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) to complete sewage infrastructure works across 23 merged villages, including the ecologically sensitive Ramnadi basin, within six months. The judgement follows a petition filed by advocate Krunnal Gharre on behalf of citizens raising concerns about unchecked construction, environmental degradation, and lack of basic civic infrastructure in newly urbanized areas.
Key Directives from the Tribunal:
- Bhugaon and Bhukum Gram Panchayats must construct proper drainage systems and set up Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) within six months.
- PMC has been ordered to develop a complete sewage network for all 23 villages merged into its municipal limits.
The order comes in the wake of growing pressure on Pune’s urban fringes, where rapid, unplanned development continues to outpace basic infrastructure, especially in areas around the Ramnadi river—a region known for its ecological sensitivity and frequent flooding.
Advocate Gharre hailed the judgement as a step toward sustainable urban planning.
“This judgement will set a precedent for a pollution-free Ramnadi and sustainable development,” he stated.
Reinforcing PMRDA’s Responsibility
One of the most significant aspects of the verdict is the NGT’s strong emphasis on the regulatory accountability of the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA). While the PMRDA has so far positioned itself primarily as a planning body, the Tribunal reinforced its role as a coordinating and executing authority responsible for ensuring infrastructure precedes development.
Adv. Gharre pointed out that although the Tribunal stopped short of issuing a direct order to halt construction permits until infrastructure is in place, it has encouraged the state government to frame a policy in this regard.
“This opens the door for legally challenging haphazard construction permits granted in areas lacking essential infrastructure,” he said.
Wider Implications
The judgement is expected to resonate beyond Pune, bolstering the demand for infrastructure-first urban governance and stricter controls over construction in environmentally vulnerable zones. It also strengthens the legal framework for citizen-led environmental and planning activism.
As Pune continues to grapple with the consequences of rapid urban expansion, the NGT’s decision marks a critical turning point in aligning urban development with ecological and infrastructural priorities.
