PUNE: The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has identified 21 spots where the flow of Ambil Odha (stream) has become narrow. 

Now, the civic body wants to widen the stream to increase its carrying capacity by removing encroachments. The civic body will also construct retaining walls along the stream.

After the flash floods in September, the PMC conducted a survey of the Ambil Odha. 

The floods heavily inundated residential areas in Katraj, Sahakar Nagar and Dhankawadi through which Ambil Odha flows. 

Around 25 people died and over 3,000 people were displaced during the floods. People living along the stream were badly affected. Drainage lines were washed away and retaining walls collapsed during the floods. 

Later, the PMC Drainage Department carried out a survey of the 10-km-long Ambil Odha (from Katraj lake to Vaikunth Crematorium).

During the survey, the civic officials walked along Ambil Odha to check damage and repair work.

Civic officials found that the width of the stream has narrowed at 21 spots. Bagul Udyan, Nilayam Bridge Service Road, Gavaliwada, Treasure Park, Ram Mandir, Alien Park, Satara Road and Pudumjee Park are some of these spots. Besides that, the PMC found that all drainage lines and chambers were badly damaged in the floods.

PMC Drainage Department Chief Superintendent VG Kulkarni said, “The PMC has estimated that it will cost Rs 315 crore for repairing the drainage lines, chambers and constructing retaining walls along the Ambil Odha and for deepening and widening the nala and removing encroachments.” 

“Six kilometre of the retaining wall was washed away during the floods. The PMC will have to construct two kilometre of the retaining wall on both sides of Ambil Odha. Remaining four kilometre of wall belongs to private residential societies,” he said.