Pune: Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Aaditya Thackeray on Sunday urged state govt to begin operations on the Hinjewadi Metro without waiting for a formal inauguration. He also questioned delays in basic infrastructure works and raised concerns over the quality of water supplied to residents in the IT hub.Aaditya visited Hinjewadi IT Park to review the progress of infrastructure projects, months after attending a protest by IT professionals over persistent civic issues.“I was told in July that the Metro was in its final testing stage. In Sept, I was told it could start any time. Now, even the Nov 3 deadline has been pushed back. Why should the Metro be held up for an inauguration? Start services for residents and hold a grand ceremony when the Prime Minister’s date is available,” Aaditya said.Taking a swipe at state govt over political credit, he said, “If you want to take political credit, put up hoardings and banners. We will put up your banners too. But let the Metro start operating for local people.”Aaditya also questioned why basic amenities around Metro stations, including autorickshaw stands, footpaths, street lighting and road repairs, remained incomplete. Describing the roads as damaged and the area as dusty, Aaditya said the chief minister had repeatedly promised special attention to Hinjewadi, while Rs 436 crore had also been sanctioned for the area. “Does special attention now mean neglect?” he asked.The Worli MLA also raised concerns about the quality of water supplied to residents, citing photographs of allegedly contaminated water. “People cannot tell whether what comes out of their taps is water or Pepsi or Coke,” he said.“The IT sector is a major hub for job and wealth creation in Maharashtra. The chief minister has given several assurances, and the time has come to fulfil those promises,” he said.Aaditya said officials had reportedly cited the model code of conduct to explain why no meetings had been held with local stakeholders over the past one-and-a-half months. He argued that the poll code did not prevent officials from meeting residents or addressing their grievances, but restricted activities such as inaugurations and political events.“IT professionals and those working in ancillary industries cannot be expected to protest every day. The administration should be ashamed that people have to take to the streets to demand basic facilities,” he said.Pavanjeet Mane, president of the Federation of IT Employees, said infrastructure projects were progressing at a snail’s pace, with several key works still pending.“We understand that major projects such as flyover construction take time, but the administration should at least initiate land acquisition. It should prioritise basic works such as filling potholes and improving waste management, as garbage heaps are still visible around the IT park. These works should be taken up urgently, but that does not appear to be happening,” he said.IT professionals also took Aaditya to a nearby river from which several housing societies around the IT park draw water for drinking. They alleged that the water source was heavily contaminated.Dyanendra Hulsure, president of the Hinjewadi Employees and Residents Trust (HEART), said several housing societies around the IT park, particularly large townships, had permission to draw water directly from the river.“We showed Aaditya Thackeray the condition of the river water, and he was concerned too. It looks more like a drainage channel than a river. The same water is supplied to housing societies, leaving residents with little choice despite health concerns. Given their size, these townships cannot rely entirely on water tankers either, as suppliers may not be able to meet such large-scale demand,” Hulsure said.
