Pune: In light of recent heavy rainfall and subsequent waterlogging across several key roads in Pune, Municipal Commissioner Dr. Rajendra Bhosale has issued stern directives to the city administration.

He has instructed that contractors must immediately ensure the proper cleaning of stormwater drains.

Additionally, he warned that if water continues to accumulate on roads, sewage department officers and employees must take immediate action on-site, or they will face disciplinary measures.

The heavy rains that hit the city two days ago caused severe waterlogging on many major roads, leading to traffic chaos. Complaints flooded in regarding the clogged stormwater drains, which prevented the smooth flow of rainwater, leaving motorists struggling through waterlogged streets.

In response, Dr. Bhosale called for urgent recleaning of the drains and demanded that officials be present on the streets to manage such situations during future downpours.

Lack of Visible Effort by Civic Officials:

Each year, the municipal corporation undertakes cleaning of the city's stormwater drains and sewer lines before the onset of the monsoon. This year, the task was again carried out through contractors.

Despite this, heavy rains during the early phase of the monsoon resulted in significant waterlogging across the city.

Trench digging efforts aimed at diverting runoff water from surrounding hills also seemed ineffective, with water stagnation persisting on city roads.

Dr. Bhosale noted that while the city experienced a heavy downpour in a short period, the existing stormwater drain network lacked the capacity to drain the water quickly. 

As a result, several areas saw water accumulate for extended periods. The commissioner acknowledged receiving complaints that civic officials were not visible on the ground during these critical moments. 

He assured that necessary instructions have been issued to the concerned departments to avoid such lapses in the future.

Waterlogged Roads Cause Massive Traffic Jams:
Pune's key roads bore the brunt of the recent downpour. Jangli Maharaj Road, Namdar Gopalakrishna Gokhale Road, Karve Road, Paud Road, Apte Road, Baner Road, Nagar Road, and the Pune Station area were among the most affected. 

Large pools of water formed, leading to traffic jams that lasted over three hours in some areas. Commuters were left stranded, and normal traffic flow was severely disrupted.