Pune Municipal Corporation has started surveying societies, including Ekta Nagari on Sinhagad Road, which were recently flooded due to water release from Khadakwasla dam into the Mutha river.
The survey by PMC's construction department is currently underway, with a report expected within 10 days.
The recent flooding of the Mutha River led to water inundating several societies in the Ekta Nagari area. These societies reportedly fall within the designated blue line of Mutha river flood zone.
The survey of these residential areas is an effort towards permanent rehabilitation of affected residents, as announced by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde during his flood-relief tour of the affected regions.
The July downpours resulted in the Khadakwasla Dam project’s four dams reaching full capacity. On July 24, heavy rains prompted the early morning release of water from the Khadakwasla Dam into the Mutha River, which peaked at 35,000 cusecs. This discharge led to severe flooding in the Ektana Nagari, Warje, Khilare Vasti, and Pulachi Wadi areas along Sinhagad Road.
Residents were caught off guard as they did not receive timely warnings before the water release, leaving them with little time to safeguard their belongings.
Many household items, including clothes and children's school materials, were damaged in the flood. Some residents accused authorities of releasing more water than necessary, contributing to the flood's severity.
In the wake of the disaster, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, along with Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and other state officials, visited the affected area and engaged with the residents. Chief Minister Shinde noted that the constructions in the area were established when the jurisdiction was under the Gram Panchayat and before the blue flood line was drawn, indicating that the buildings were not constructed illegally.
During his visit, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde assured residents that their rehabilitation has been a priority. He announced that slum dwellers in the area would be relocated under the Slum Rehabilitation Scheme, and special provisions would be made for housing societies to form clusters with amendments to the 'UDPCR' regulations.
He emphasized that these steps are aimed at removing the constant flood threat faced by the residents.
Following the Chief Minister's announcement, the Pune Municipal Corporation commenced a survey in Ekta Nagari to assess the number of societies and flats within the blue flood line and to identify constructions made prior to the flood line's establishment. This survey is anticipated to conclude within the next 8-10 days.