Pune: The Maharashtra state government has allocated ₹200 crore to the Pune Municipal Corporation for constructing boundary walls around the city’s stream walls and drainage channels, aiming to prevent flooding.
However, concerns have arisen regarding the distribution of these funds, as they appear to be concentrated solely in constituencies represented by BJP MLAs, leaving areas represented by NCP and Congress MLAs without financial support.
In 2019, Pune experienced severe flooding, particularly in areas surrounding the Ambil Odha, which saw extensive damage due to the overflow of drainage channels.
To mitigate future flood risks, the Pune Municipal Corporation initiated the construction of boundary walls and bridges in selected regions. The recent allocation of ₹200 crore from the state government was expected to extend this work citywide.
Yet, the funds have been earmarked only for five of the city’s eight legislative constituencies, all of which are under BJP representation.
The tenders issued for this work faced initial objections from the District Collector’s office due to regulatory non-compliance, prompting a revised proposal.
The approved tenders include ₹41.23 crore for Khadakwasla, ₹24.80 crore for Shivajinagar, ₹39.04 crore for Cantonment, ₹41.15 crore for Parvati, and ₹19.90 crore for Kothrud.
Notably, constituencies such as Wadgaon Sheri, Hadapsar, and Kasba, represented by NCP and Congress MLAs, have been excluded from the fund allocation, raising questions about the impartiality of the distribution.
Despite NCP MLAs being part of the ruling coalition, their constituencies have not been considered for the fund, a decision that has sparked political debate.
PMC Commissioner Dr. Rajendra Bhosale confirmed the allocation, stating that the Municipal Corporation is following the list of works approved by the state government.
Additionally, a significant portion of the funds has been directed to a single ward in Kothrud, with ₹24 crore proposed for seven projects in Ward No. 12, further intensifying the controversy.