Nagpur: With the southwest monsoon approaching and memories of past urban flooding and heavy rainfall incidents still fresh, the Nagpur district administration has intensified its monsoon preparedness measures. It has identified 157 flood-prone villages and areas across the district, including 68 villages categorised as ultra flood-vulnerable.
Pre-Monsoon Review Meeting
The preparedness review was conducted by the District Disaster Management Authority during a pre-monsoon meeting chaired by district administration officials recently. Officials said the focus this year is on early warning systems, coordinated response mechanisms, evacuation planning, and strengthening local rescue infrastructure.
Taluka-wise Vulnerability
Among the talukas, Saoner has emerged as the most vulnerable with 34 flood-prone villages, followed by Kamptee (22), Mouda (20), Narkhed (17) and Hingna (13). In the ultra flood-prone category, Saoner again tops the list with 16 villages, while Parseoni has 10, Mouda nine, Umred eight, Kamptee and Kuhi six villages each.
Mock Drills and Emergency Response
District disaster management officer Ankush Gawande said mock drills have been conducted at Futala and other places. "The drills included rescue training, inventory inspection, evacuation planning and coordination exercises involving police, fire services, health teams, home guards, NGOs and local administration," he added. The administration has also prepared an extensive emergency response network involving district, taluka, and village-level search and rescue teams. Around 500 trained ‘Aapda Mitras' and ‘Aapda Sakhis' have been deployed across urban and rural areas for disaster response and awareness generation.
Equipment and Resources
Officials said the district currently has access to 52 boats with outboard motors, 258 life jackets, 215 life buoys, 28 chain saw cutters, 42 rescue kits, inflatable tents, rescue kits and floating stretchers. Robotic watercraft will also be deployed at Makardhokda dam during the monsoon season.
Historical Flood Incidents
The report highlights Nagpur district's history of flood-related incidents, including the 2018 heavy rainfall episode when 282.5 mm rain was recorded within 12 hours, leading to severe flooding in several parts of the city and rural areas. The 2023 Ambazari overflow incident and previous flooding linked to dam discharges in Parseoni, Mouda, Kamptee and Kuhi were also reviewed during the meeting.
Rainfall Data
According to rainfall data presented by the administration, Nagpur district has consistently received above-normal rainfall over the last several years. In 2025, Bhiwapur recorded 119% rainfall compared to normal levels, while Kuhi received 124%, Hingna 127%, and Katol 119%.
Departmental Directives
Departments including NMC, irrigation, PWD, health, police, MSEDCL, railways, metro and education have been directed to activate 24x7 control rooms from June 1, inspect vulnerable structures, clean drains and nalas, maintain emergency equipment and ensure uninterrupted communication systems during emergencies.
