Pune: In a span of just 45 minutes on June 23, 114.5 mm of rain flooded Chinchwad, Akurdi, and Chikhli areas, severely challenging the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation's (PCMC) pre-monsoon preparations.
Despite claims of completing 100 per cent drain cleaning, widespread waterlogging has raised concerns about the municipal administration's efficiency.
Acting PCMC Commissioner Rahul Mahiwal has warned that future incidents of waterlogging will lead to accountability and action against responsible officials.
During the heavy downpour, rainwater entered homes in several areas, including Anandnagar, Nigdi Otascheme, Vidyanagar, Dattanagar, Shankarnagar, Shahunagar, and Morevasti.
The Chikhli Housing Scheme area saw significant water accumulation, prompting strong protests from residents against the PCMC. On Monday evening, water remained on the roads in the Spine Road Jadhavwadi area, further highlighting the municipal failures.
The PCMC's prior assertions of comprehensive pre-monsoon drain cleaning were disproved by Sunday's rainfall. Various city regions experienced waterlogged roads and low-lying areas resembling ponds.
In Anandnagar, clogged sewage drains caused a mix of wastewater and rainwater to flood homes, damaging stored food supplies. Residents accused the ongoing monsoon sewage work in Anandnagar of inadequate drain cleaning.
In Dattanagar, Vidyanagar, and Shankarnagar, sewage mixed with rainwater entered homes, while rainwater flooded shanties in Nigdi Otascheme, causing significant inconvenience.
The Chikhli Housing Scheme area again turned into a pond-like area during the first rain, restricting residents' movement. These incidents have exposed the PCMC's inadequate pre-monsoon preparations.
Assistant Commissioner of the Health Department, Yashwant Dange, claimed that despite the heavy rain causing overflow, water drained within an hour to an hour and a half after the rain stopped.
However, the severe waterlogging has led to strict warnings for concerned employees. Officials and staff across all wards have been directed to conduct thorough inspections and commence repair work on sewage and stormwater drains.
Acting Commissioner Mahiwal emphasized that any further waterlogging incidents will result in accountability and necessary actions against the responsible officials, reinforcing the need for stringent measures to prevent future occurrences.