Pune: The Mutha river has become a dumping ground where anyone can dispose of construction rubble. Despite construction within the blue flood line, the municipal corporation only acts when the court intervenes.
This is followed by a return to the status quo, with construction department officials dismissing responsibility, questioning the feasibility of monitoring numerous sites.
Officials from regional offices also turn a blind eye. Even self-proclaimed progressive and environmentally conscious builders are dumping rubble in the river, revealing their hypocrisy.
This collusion has caused the river to clog, flooding homes and disrupting lives. The pressing question remains whether accountability will be established or if it will be just another blame game.
In June, the Khadakwasla, Temghar, Varasgaon, and Panshet dams were nearing their low levels, raising the threat of water cuts for Pune. However, heavy rains in July filled these reservoirs to capacity.
Yet, the flood situation in Pune due to water release from the Khadakwasla dam exposed administrative flaws. The exact volume of water released remains unclear, but the flooding caused significant losses. Who will compensate the affected citizens?
Encroachments in flood zones, such as those in Karvenagar where banquet halls have created parking facilities by dumping rubble into the river, highlight the issue. Despite court orders to remove these encroachments, rubble continues to be dumped, unnoticed by the municipal corporation.
Responsibility of the Irrigation Department
The irrigation department has complete control over the river flowing through the city. Thus, it should have monitored the dumping of rubble in the river.
An assistant engineer stated that municipal employees cannot monitor everywhere. Assistant commissioners and deputy commissioners of the municipal corporation's regional offices should ensure that there are no encroachments, constructions, or rubble dumping in the river in their jurisdictions.
They are also empowered to take action, such as seizing vehicles dumping rubble, imposing fines, and filing cases. However, they remain indifferent, assuming the construction department will handle it. This lack of attention from any municipal department towards the river leads to flood situations.
