With the monsoon arrival just days away, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has moved to fast-track safety measures to prevent flooding in the Ektanagari area. The decision followed a site inspection on Friday by a delegation of senior officials led by PMC commissioner Naval Kishore Ram.
During the visit, the commissioner issued strict directives to ensure infrastructure is ready before the rain starts. “The retaining wall near the nullah must be completed at the earliest. Following the strategy used last year, temporary mud walls should also be implemented to mitigate the impact of water discharge,” Ram stated in an official release.
Urgency from 2024 Flooding
The urgency stems from the 2024 monsoon season, which saw devastating flooding along Sinhagad Road, Warje, and Shivane. Residential societies in low-lying areas, including Dwarka, Jalpoojan, Sharada Sarover, Sham Sundar, Swami Vivekanand, and Futura, were submerged in waist-high water, leaving many residents stranded. Similar scenes were reported at Sadguru Society in Warje, Saritanagari, and various colonies situated near the Mutha riverbed.
Long-Term Cluster Development Plan
To provide a long-term solution, civic officials revealed a proposed “cluster development” plan to rehabilitate residents living in high-risk areas. The proposal involves relocating 1,383 residential units and 67 shops currently situated within the “blue flood zone”. This initiative aims to permanently move vulnerable populations away from flood-prone areas, ensuring their safety during future monsoon seasons.
Waste Management and Anti-Encroachment Drive
Beyond flood preparedness, the delegation also visited garbage processing plants in the Uruli-Phursungi areas. Following the inspection, the commissioner directed officials to accelerate bio-mining operations to manage the city’s waste more efficiently ahead of the rainy season. This step is crucial to prevent clogged drainage systems that can exacerbate flooding.
The PMC commissioner also announced that the administration is launching a special anti-encroachment unit that will focus exclusively on footpaths. He stated this will help resolve the problem of illegal hawkers obstructing pedestrian pathways, which often hinder movement and create safety hazards during emergencies.
With these measures, the PMC aims to reduce the risk of flooding and improve urban infrastructure, ensuring a safer environment for Pune residents as the monsoon approaches.
