Pune: Constructions within the flood zones of the Pavana, Mula, and Indrayani rivers in Pimpri-Chinchwad have been a significant contributor to frequent flooding, even with minor rainfall.
Despite orders from Municipal Commissioner Shekhar Singh to survey and take action against illegal constructions within the blue flood lines of these rivers within eight days, progress has been slow. Two weeks later, the survey is only 60% complete, according to city officials.
With Pimpri-Chinchwad's growing population, redevelopment is rampant across the city. Old homes, slums, and bungalows are being demolished to make way for large apartment complexes. However, the infrastructure in many of these redeveloped areas has not kept pace.
Outdated drainage systems, designed for much lower capacity, are now struggling with the increased sewage load, leading to frequent blockages and overflow issues.
Commissioner Singh has pointed out that these issues are exacerbated by illegal constructions in the river flood zones, which not only violate regulations but also pose a severe flood risk to the city.
The natural flow of water through streams and drains is obstructed by encroachments, with some builders illegally covering these water bodies and installing inadequate drainage pipes. These actions have caused water to stagnate on roads and in low-lying areas, worsening the flood situation.
Commissioner Singh's directive aimed at surveying all constructions within the flood zones and initiating prompt demolition of illegal structures was supposed to be completed in eight days.
However, with the survey only 60% complete after two weeks, the promised swift action remains pending. According to Deputy Commissioner Manoj Lonkar, the city has identified critical points where encroachments are to be removed, with one stream or drain targeted under each of the eight regional offices.
The Municipal Corporation has been working on plans to clear these illegal structures from the blue flood lines, which are defined as high-risk flood zones along the rivers.
Deputy Commissioner Lonkar assured that once the survey reaches completion, the corporation will begin demolishing the illegal constructions to restore the natural water flow and reduce flood risk.
