Pune: Continuous rain for the past three days in the Baner and Balewadi areas intensified Wednesday (July 24) night, leading to heavy flooding.
The torrential downpour has submerged all major roads, disrupting daily activities and flooding several society parking lots, offices, and the Baner-Balewadi crematorium.
Local political leaders, including former corporators Amol Balwadkar and Jyoti Kalamkar, along with NCP members Poonam Vidhate and Rahul Dhankude, quickly mobilized to assist the affected residents.
In Balewadi, the weekly Thursday market saw significant losses as vegetable vendors struggled with soaked and spoiled produce, and customers avoided the market.
In response to the flooding, many residents moved their vehicles from submerged parking areas to the roadside. Vidhate organized accommodation and meals at Baburao Katke School in Baner for those whose homes were inundated. The former corporators also urged citizens to contact them for any necessary assistance through the media.
The Aundh-Baner regional office has deployed a disaster management team to aid affected areas. Assistant Commissioner Girish Dapkekar requested citizens to report issues to 020-2559700. Blocked drains have exacerbated the flooding, transforming roads into streams.
Key areas affected in Balewadi include Mitcon School, Sai Chowk, Mamta Chowk, Ashtavinayak Chowk, and Ira Bakery Roads. The crematorium and immersion ghat are also underwater.
In Baner, significant flooding occurred on Pancard Road, Datt Mandir Area, Jupiter Hospital Area, Prathamesh Park, Saidatt Residency, Janki Residency, Baner Post Office, Vidhate Vasti, Datt Nagar, and Dhankude Vasti, with the Baner crematorium submerged.
