NGT Directs PMC to Complete Sewage Works in 23 Merged Villages

29 Jul 2025 CW Team

Key directives from the Tribunal

The 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 clarified

The 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 planning

The 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

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

Infrastructure Urban

06 Apr 2026

InsideFPV Delivers ₹10 Crore Kamikaze Drone Order Under MoD’s EPR Route

InsideFPV, a Surat-based drone technology manufacturer, has successfully executed a ₹10 crore defence contract to supply indigenous kamikaze drones under the Ministry of Defence’s Emergency Procurement Route (EPR). The company completed the delivery of hundreds of FPV kamikaze drone platforms within a rapid two-month timeframe, highlighting its ability to meet urgent military procurement timelines.The supply orders were fulfilled under the emergency procurement mechanism, which is aimed at fast-tracking acquisitions for immediate operational needs. InsideFPV’s quick execution reflects it..

Infrastructure Energy

06 Apr 2026

Vedanta Resources Secures Fitch Upgrade to ‘BB-’, Best Rating Since 2015

Vedanta Resources Limited (VRL), a global player in metals, oil & gas, critical minerals, power and technology, has received a credit rating upgrade from Fitch Ratings, marking its strongest bond rating in over a decade.Fitch has raised Vedanta Resources’ Long-Term Foreign-Currency Issuer Default Rating (IDR) to ‘BB-’ from ‘B+’, while maintaining a Stable Outlook. The agency also upgraded VRL’s senior unsecured rating, along with the ratings of US dollar-denominated bonds issued by Vedanta Resources Finance II Plc and guaranteed by VRL, to ‘BB-’.The upgrade represents Vedan..

Real Estate

06 Apr 2026

NAREDCO NextGen NCR Chapter Launched

The NAREDCO NextGen NCR Chapter was recently launched at Excelerate 2026 in Mumbai, marking a key step towards integrating emerging real estate leaders from the National Capital Region with the national platform. The initiative aims to promote sustainable and responsible urban development through collaboration and knowledge exchange.The event brought together young developers, entrepreneurs, and professionals from across NCR, including Noida, Gurugram, Ghaziabad, Faridabad, Bhiwadi, and Meerut. Discussions focused on urban development, finance, sustainability, innovation, and policy, emphasisi..