Reported by Varad Bhatkhande
Hinjawadi, 30th June 2025: Over the past few decades, Pimpri-Chinchwad has undergone tremendous transformation. What was once seen as a developing city has now achieved the status of a metro or smart city, as claimed by the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC). Yet, despite its proximity, Hinjawadi and several nearby villages have not been incorporated into PCMC.
Villages like Hinjawadi, Maan, Marunji, and others have remained outside PCMC’s jurisdiction for over a decade, with multiple proposals for their inclusion stalling over the years. Recently, residents from Wakad and surrounding areas have intensified efforts to push for Hinjawadi’s incorporation into PCMC.
History of PCMC Expansions
PCMC was established on 11th October 1982 and originally included Pimpri, Chinchwad, Akurdi, and Bhosari. It soon gained a reputation as a wealthy civic body due to its abundant resources. Over time, it expanded to incorporate areas like Pimple Saudagar, Pimple Gurav, Sangvi, Pimple Nilakh, and Wakad. In 1997, PCMC further extended its limits to include Talawade, Chikhali, Moshi, Dudulgaon, Chovisawadi, Wadmukhwadi, Charholi, Dighi, Bopkhel, Dapodi, Mamurdi, Kiwale, Ravet, and Punawale. In 2009, Tathawade was also brought into its jurisdiction.
Despite these expansions, seven villages of Hinjawadi, Maan, Gahunje, Jambe, Marunji, Nere and Sangawade have remained outside PCMC. Numerous proposals were submitted to successive Maharashtra Governments over the past two decades, but none were implemented. On 10th February 2015, PCMC officially resolved to include these villages. However, more than a decade later, no action has been taken.
PMC vs. PCMC: A Tale of Two Cities
Compared to its counterpart, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), PCMC has lagged in expansion. While PMC added 23 villages to its jurisdiction as recently as 2021 and 17 villages in 2017, PCMC’s last major inclusion was in 2009. Since then, there have only been proposals, with no concrete action by PCMC to expand its jurisdiction.
Hinjawadi’s Transformation and Governance Challenges
Hinjawadi’s transformation began in the early 2000s with the establishment of the Rajiv Gandhi Infotech Park. Originally a rural area, it evolved into a major IT hub, contributing significantly to Pune’s economic and technological growth. This rapid urbanization brought in thousands of residents and professionals, accelerating the need for robust civic infrastructure.
However, governance in Hinjawadi remains fragmented. The area is managed by a complex mix of agencies, including Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC), Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA), Public Works Department (PWD) and the Gram Panchayats, resulting in poor coordination and stalled development. The 2015 merger proposal has been neglected due to bureaucratic delays, political indecision, and local opposition. Concerns include higher property taxes, loss of administrative autonomy, unfair land reservations, and inadequate compensation for agricultural land.
Civic Issues and Daily Struggles
The consequences are clear: Hinjawadi faces worsening traffic congestion, deteriorating roads due to ongoing metro work, unreliable utilities, insufficient public transport, and unmanaged waste. Infrastructure has steadily declined, with frequent flooding and environmental degradation from construction activities adding to residents’ woes. Both locals and IT professionals are increasingly frustrated by the lack of unified governance and accountability, as daily life is disrupted by these persistent civic issues.
Public and Political Pressure Mounts
Public pressure has mounted. Chinchwad MLA Shankar Jagtap and Bhosari MLA Mahesh Landge (both BJP), though not directly representing these villages, have promised to raise the issue in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly. Maval MLA Shrirang Barne has also supported the demand and attended recent PMRDA meetings on Hinjawadi.
Many residents of Pimpri Chinchwad and Pune have often stated that Hinjawadi and the surrounding areas are closely connected. A large number of people commute daily from both cities to Hinjawadi for work. They frequently complain about serious issues like traffic congestion and waterlogging. The area lacks a proper governing body, which is why they believe its inclusion in PCMC is imperative. According to them, it would benefit everyone.
Dnyanendra Hulsure, President of the Hinjawadi-Maan Employees and Residents Trust (HEART), stated, “We’ve faced major civic issues for years, traffic, poor roads, inadequate water supply, garbage dumping, roadside encroachments, and flooding. Despite the IT park’s population growth, development has stagnated. We need a single, efficient administrative body, not ten different ones managing things in parts.”
Opposition and Alternative Demands
Many locals continue to oppose Hinjawadi’s inclusion into PCMC, primarily due to concerns over a sharp increase in property taxes. Sarpanch Ganesh Jambhulkar and other villagers argue that previous mergers, such as Wakad with PCMC and Mhalunge with PMC, resulted in prolonged delays and unresolved civic problems. They have formally objected to the merger and are demanding the creation of a separate municipal council instead.
Critics have also raised questions about the political timing of the move, linking the renewed push for inclusion to the upcoming PCMC elections. Additionally, residents point out that PCMC is already grappling with longstanding civic issues and has been frequently criticized for poor governance within its existing limits.
Official Stand and the Road Ahead
Current MLA Shankar Mandekar (NCP) and former MLA Sangram Thopte have not commented publicly on the issue. However, Baramati MP Supriya Sule has repeatedly supported the merger.
Sandesh Khadtare, Assistant Director of Town Planning at PCMC, confirmed: “The proposal to incorporate the seven villages into PCMC has been submitted to the Maharashtra state government, along with a memorandum. However, the final decision is still pending. The state government’s action on the matter is ongoing.”
Conclusion: Still Waiting for Action
Until a decisive step is taken, Hinjawadi remains in administrative limbo, caught between explosive growth, deteriorating infrastructure, and fragmented governance. Residents continue to wait for the unified civic body they’ve been promised for years.