In a significant ruling, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has ordered the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) to complete sewage infrastructure in 23 merged villages— including the ecologically sensitive Ramnadi basin—within six months. The directive follows a petition by advocate Krunnal Gharre on behalf of citizens concerned about unregulated construction, environmental degradation, and lack of civic infrastructure in newly urbanised zones.Key directives from the TribunalThe Bhugaon and Bhukum Gram Panchayats must construct drainage systems and set up Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) within six months.PMC has been instructed to implement a comprehensive sewage network across all 23 newly merged villages.The ruling comes in response to unchecked urbanisation around Pune’s periphery, particularly near the flood-prone Ramnadi river. Advocate Gharre welcomed the judgment, calling it a “step towards a pollution-free Ramnadi and sustainable development.”PMRDA’s expanded role clarifiedThe Tribunal also reinforced the role of the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA), stressing that the body must act not only as a planner but also as a coordinating and executing authority to ensure infrastructure precedes development.While the NGT refrained from halting construction permits outright, it urged the Maharashtra government to consider policies linking infrastructure readiness with construction approvals. “This opens the door for legally challenging haphazard construction permits in areas lacking essential infrastructure,” Gharre added.Broader implications for urban planningThe judgement is expected to influence urban planning practices beyond Pune, strengthening the case for infrastructure-first development, especially in environmentally sensitive zones. It also empowers citizen-driven environmental action through legal recourse.As Pune faces the challenges of rapid urban growth, the NGT’s decision marks a critical shift towards integrating infrastructure and ecological sustainability into the city’s development framework.News source: Pune Pulse