The construction of retaining walls at flood-prone locations in Pune, aimed at preventing waterlogging ahead of the rainy season, has progressed at a sluggish pace. This comes three years after the civic body first announced the project. Of the 10 planned sites for the Pune Municipal Corporation's (PMC) flood-protection retaining wall initiative, including the waterlogging-prone Vitthalwadi area, actual construction has commenced at only three locations.
Background and Delays
Following the devastating Ambil Odha floods in 2019, the PMC identified 88 locations requiring such walls. However, progress has been hampered by several challenges. A senior civic official explained, "Land acquisition is being delayed at many spots due to legal issues, which has caused a delay in the overall construction of the walls. Apart from this, encroachment is a major hurdle to commencing work at the ground level."
Residents' Concerns
Residents are urging the PMC to expedite the work as the monsoon approaches. Mayur Ingawale, a resident near the highly flood-prone Ektanagari area, expressed frustration: "Work on the retaining wall in our area was supposed to begin nearly four months ago, but it got delayed and started in May. Now, if they will take another four months to finish it, the rainy season will be over. What is the use then?"
During the 2024 monsoon, water had gushed into residential societies in low-lying areas such as Ektanagari and Anandnagar along Sinhagad Road, as well as in Warje and Shivane near the Mutha riverbank. Many residents were stranded in their homes amid waist-high waters.
Official Response
According to PMC officials, a delegation led by municipal commissioner Naval Kishore Ram visited Ektanagari and various spots in the Sinhagad Road area last week. Ram directed that measures be taken to avoid flood-like situations at these locations. "The retaining wall near the nullah in these areas should be completed at the earliest. Like last monsoon, even this year measures like temporary mud walls can be taken to reduce the impact of water discharge into the river," Ram said in a statement issued at the end of May.
Historical Flooding
City residents have not forgotten the major flooding in 2019 after Katraj Lake filled to its maximum capacity and overflowed. At that time, the choked Ambil Odha had inundated Tangewala society near Aranyeshwar during heavy rain, waterlogged the parking lot of Treasure Park society, damaging over 600 vehicles, and caused extensive destruction in Gururaj society.
Rohit Deshpande, a resident of Sahakarnagar, lamented, "Over seven years have passed, but the retaining wall here is still half-done. We have been following up with the civic administration for all these years, but it appears that they lack the willingness to work. Only announcements of funds are made for the project, but ground work is not seen."
Flood-Prone Areas
According to the PMC, areas that witness frequent flooding due to their proximity to the river include Rajput slums, Pulachiwadi, Patil Estate, Ambil Odha, Parvati, Dattawadi, parts of Sinhagad Road, Katraj, Karvenagar, Narayan Peth, Kasba Peth, and Bopodi.
