Pune: PMC Slaps ₹1 Lakh Fine On Paranjape Scheme After Citizens Exposed Untreated Sewage Discharge In Dhayari
Pune: PMC Slaps ₹1 Lakh Fine On Paranjape Scheme After Citizens Exposed Untreated Sewage Discharge In Dhayari
Pune, March 9, 2026: A residential project associated with Paranjape Schemes Construction Ltd has come under the scanner after untreated sewage was allegedly discharged into nearby residential areas in Dhayari, prompting action from the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC). The civic body has imposed a fine of ₹1 lakh on the project management following revelations obtained through the Right to Information Act (RTI).
The issue surfaced after residents raised concerns about sewage mixed with wastewater being released without proper treatment from a Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) located within the Abhiruchi Paranjape Scheme area near Sinhagad Road. According to documents obtained through RTI, sewage from several housing societies in the complex was allegedly discharged into nearby areas without undergoing mandatory treatment at the STP facility, creating potential health risks for residents.
The complaint was initially filed by the citizens’ group Daksha Nagarik Manch. The organization submitted a written complaint on September 10, 2025, to the Assistant Commissioner of the Sinhagad Road Ward Office of PMC. The complaint alleged that sewage mixed with waste from societies identified as MIA, M1B and M2 in the Abhiruchi Paranjape Scheme was being allowed to flow untreated into areas near neighbouring residential societies.
Following the complaint, officials from the civic body conducted an inspection of the site. During the inspection, it was observed that sewage was indeed being discharged without treatment through the STP facility, resulting in unhygienic conditions in the surrounding area. The PMC subsequently issued a notice to the management on November 3, 2025, directing them to repair the STP plant and ensure that all sewage is treated before discharge or reused as per environmental norms.
However, a follow-up inspection by the civic body’s health department revealed that no significant corrective action had been taken despite the notice. Officials noted that the continued discharge of untreated sewage had the potential to create serious public health hazards in the locality.
Dissatisfied with the pace of action, Daksha Nagarik Manch coordinator Suresh Bhale filed an application under the RTI Act on February 2, 2026, seeking details about the action taken on the complaint. Information provided by the Public Information Officer at the Sinhagad Road Regional Office on March 2, 2026, confirmed that the STP plant had not yet been handed over to the housing societies and continues to be maintained by the management of the Abhiruchi Paranjape Scheme.
The RTI reply also confirmed that sewage had been discharged without proper treatment, validating the concerns raised by residents. Based on these findings, the PMC’s Sinhagad Road Ward Office issued an official notice directing the management to pay a fine of ₹1 lakh for creating a health hazard by releasing untreated sewage.
The notice further stated that if the penalty is not paid, the civic body will initiate further administrative action under provisions of the Maharashtra Municipal Corporations Act, 1949. The action could include stricter enforcement measures by the municipal administration. Sandeep Kherade, sanitary inspector, Sinhagad road ward office confirmed that notice has been issued to both, the builder as well as the society.
Meanwhile, residents from the affected societies have said that the problem has not yet been fully resolved. They claim that untreated sewage discharge continues to impact the surrounding area, raising concerns about sanitation and public health.
Local residents have urged the municipal authorities to ensure immediate and permanent corrective measures so that sewage treatment facilities function properly and prevent further environmental and health risks in the Dhayari locality.
Official Statement from Paranjape Schemes Construction Limited
Paranjape Schemes has categorically denied that any fine has been imposed on the company by PMC till date.
On the contrary, the notice dated 3 November 2025 referred in the article was issued by PMC to the residents’ societies, directing them to ensure proper operation of the STP.
Buildings M1A, M1B and M2 are equipped with a 280 KLD STP installed by the developer. The first building (M1A) received occupancy certificate from PMC in 2020, after possession and formation of the residents’ society in 2023, the STP was officially handed over to them along with operational training. As per applicable regulations and purchase agreements, the responsibility of operating and maintaining the STP thereafter rests with the occupiers through their society’s management committee. The other two societies (M1B and M2) were also completed in 2024-25 and a second operational demonstration was also conducted for the new residents.
Temporary disruptions in STP operations occurred due to delays in payment of electricity bills and operational expenses by the M1A Society, which resulted in MSEDCL disconnecting power supply to the STP temporarily. Once the outstanding dues were cleared, power supply was restored and the STP resumed operation.
Other towers in the project (Tower 1, 2 and 3) are served by a separate STP which is functioning smoothly under the respective residents’ societies.
Paranjape Schemes remains committed to environmental compliance and responsible development.
