Lohegaon Airport Encroachments Raise Concerns Over National Security, Aviation Safety and Environment

 

Alleged Prohibited encroachments, unauthorised land filling, obstruction of natural water channels and indiscriminate dumping of construction debris and municipal waste has come to light within the restricted zone surrounding the Indian Air Force (IAF) Station and Lohegaon Airport in Pune. The issue has raised significant concerns over national security, aviation safety, environmental degradation and possible violations of defence regulations

According to information available, illegal encroachments have continued unabated despite repeated representations made by the Indian Air Force (IAF) to various civic and administrative authorities. Reports indicate that the IAF has repeatedly written to the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) and the District Collector, Pune, seeking immediate intervention to remove encroachments, clear illegally dumped construction debris and restore the area’s natural drainage system.

Natural Drain Blocked, Flooding Risk Increases

One of the most alarming aspects of the issue is the blockage of a natural drainage channel passing through the restricted area. Large quantities of construction debris and earth have reportedly been dumped into the drain, preventing the free flow of rainwater.

Experts warn that during the ongoing monsoon season, the blocked drainage system could result in severe waterlogging and flooding inside the defence establishment, including the vicinity of the Air Force bomb dump. Such flooding could have serious operational and security implications for one of Pune’s most strategically important military installations.

Threat to National Security

The Lohegaon Air Force Station houses critical defence infrastructure and plays an important role in the country’s air defence preparedness. Any unauthorised activity within its restricted zone not only violates established security protocols but also increases the vulnerability of sensitive military assets.

Officials have reportedly expressed concern that unchecked encroachments and illegal development around defence installations could compromise surveillance, emergency response capabilities and operational readiness. Considering the strategic importance of the airbase, the issue has assumed the dimensions of a matter concerning national security and requires urgent intervention.

The Air Force Sent Repeated Letters, But the Administration Remained Inactive

Considering the issue as one of national security, the Indian Air Force repeatedly brought the matter of illegal encroachments, obstruction of the natural drainage channel and unauthorised dumping of construction debris around the Lohegaon Air Force Station to the attention of the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) and the District Collector, Pune. The Air Force requested the concerned authorities to immediately remove the encroachments, clear the debris dumped into the natural drainage channel and restore the natural flow of rainwater.

According to information available, the Indian Air Force sent official communications on the following dates:

2024: 11 June, 5 July, 27 September, 29 November and 27 December.

2025: 31 January, 20 March, 30 July, 2 September, 8 October and 8 November.

2026: 24 January, 19 February, 26 February, 21 April and 12 June.

In total, the Indian Air Force is reported to have sent 16 official letters over a period of nearly two years. However, despite these repeated representations and reminders, no effective action was reportedly taken by the concerned authorities to remove the encroachments, restore the blocked drainage channel or clear the illegally dumped debris.

The continued inaction has raised serious concerns, particularly because the issue involves a strategically important defence installation, aviation safety, environmental protection and compliance with defence regulations. Stakeholders have stressed that immediate and coordinated action is essential to safeguard national security, ensure safe aircraft operations and prevent further environmental degradation.

Illegal Dumping Raises Bird Strike Hazard

Apart from the security implications, indiscriminate dumping of construction debris and municipal solid waste has created another significant aviation hazard. The accumulation of garbage attracts birds, stray animals and other scavengers, substantially increasing the likelihood of bird strikes.

Bird strikes remain one of the most serious risks to aircraft operations worldwide, particularly during take-off and landing when aircraft operate at lower altitudes. Since Lohegaon Airport serves both civil and military aviation, any increase in bird activity around the airport could jeopardise flight safety for commercial airlines as well as defence aircraft.

Possible Violations of Defence Regulations

Under the provisions of the Works of Defence Act, 1903, restrictions exist on construction and development activities around notified defence establishments. It is reported that no construction activity is permitted within 900 metres of the outer boundary of the bomb dump, making any unauthorised development in the restricted area a matter requiring legal scrutiny.

Authorities are expected to investigate whether the ongoing encroachments, land-filling activities and illegal dumping violate applicable defence, environmental and municipal laws.

Environmental Impact

The illegal dumping of construction waste has also caused considerable environmental damage. Blocking natural water channels disrupts local drainage patterns, increases the risk of urban flooding, degrades soil quality and adversely affects biodiversity in the area. Environmental experts have stressed that restoring the natural drainage system should be treated as an urgent priority before further ecological damage occurs.

Pritam Khandve Allegedly Attempted to Interfere During the Demolition Drive

During the demolition drive against seven allegedly unauthorised Ready-Mix Concrete (RMC) plants erected in the Mahalaxmi Lawns area of Khandvenagar, Lohegaon, a tense situation reportedly unfolded at the site.

According to information available, Pritam Khandve allegedly attempted to obstruct the demolition proceedings by engaging in a heated argument with officials present during the operation. He is further alleged to have grabbed an encroachment official by the collar and charged towards the demolition team, resulting in a brief altercation.

Personnel of the Maharashtra Security Force (MSF), who were deployed to maintain law and order during the operation, immediately intervened, restrained Khandve and escorted him to a police vehicle. He was subsequently taken to the concerned police station for further action.

Despite the incident, the demolition drive continued under police protection. The operation was undertaken against seven allegedly unauthorised Ready-Mix Concrete (RMC) plants in the Mahalaxmi Lawns area of Khandvenagar, Lohegaon.

Pritam Khandve is the husband of BJP corporator Dr. Shreyas Khandve. Further legal action, if any, will depend upon the findings of the concerned authorities and the police investigation.

Demand for Immediate Action

Considering the seriousness of the issue, there is a growing demand for coordinated action involving the Indian Air Force, Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA), District Administration, Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) and other concerned agencies.

Stakeholders have called for:

​●​Immediate removal of all illegal encroachments within the restricted zone.

​●​Restoration of the blocked natural drainage channel.

​●​Removal of construction debris and municipal waste.

​●​Strict enforcement of defence and environmental regulations.

​●​Action against individuals or agencies responsible for illegal dumping and encroachment.

​●​Regular monitoring to prevent future violations around sensitive defence installations.

Conclusion

The situation surrounding Lohegaon Airport is no longer merely an issue of illegal encroachment or civic negligence. It represents a convergence of national security concerns, aviation safety risks, environmental degradation and possible violations of defence, environmental and municipal laws.

The repeated representations made by the Indian Air Force over nearly two years, coupled with the recent demolition action against allegedly unauthorised structures, underscore the urgency of the matter. Stakeholders have emphasised that prompt and coordinated action by all concerned authorities is essential to safeguard critical defence infrastructure, ensure safe aircraft operations, restore the natural drainage system and preserve the ecological integrity of the area.