Rs 40 crore PMRDA ‘green building’ found without functional STP

PMRDA green building in Akurdi. Pics/By Special Arrangement

The Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) has initiated action to cut the water supply to the ‘green building' of the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA)after its Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) was found to be non-functional, despite repeated notices issued over the past year to repair it.

The move follows a formal notice issued to the PMRDA commissioner, directing immediate operationalisation of the STP at the authority's office building in Akurdi.

The PMRDA uses about 50,000 litres of drinking water for gardening and sanitation on a daily basis. During a site inspection conducted on August 16, 2025, it was found that the STP at the PMRDA building was not operational. It also noted that treated water was not being reused, resulting in the use of drinking water even for non-potable purposes such as flushing and gardening.

Non-functioning Sewage Treatment Plant

The PCMC has imposed an initial penalty of Rs 2500 and directed PMRDA to make the STP functional immediately. The authorities warned that failure to comply within seven days could lead to stricter action, including disconnection of the building's water supply and possible criminal proceedings under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974.

The ‘green building'

The PMRDA green building, constructed in 2013 by the Pimpri-Chinchwad New Township Development Authority near Akurdi railway station, was envisioned as a benchmark for sustainable infrastructure. Built at a cost of approximately R40 crore, the building received a five-star green rating. The building was inaugurated by former Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan, marking it as a flagship sustainable project at the time.

Official Speak

Yogesh Alhat, Deputy Engineer
Yogesh Alhat from PCMC told mid-day, "The civic body issued notices a few months back. Due to municipal elections, action was delayed. We have sent several reminder notices asking the PMRDA to start functioning its STP plant. PCMC has now launched a strong drive against non-functioning STPs in the city, and we are cutting water supply to such establishments."

"Recycled water can be used for gardening and flushing. Not doing so leads to unnecessary wastage," an official said, adding that PMRDA is currently the only government establishment under scrutiny in this enforcement drive.