Pimpri: Following severe flooding during this year's monsoon, the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) has identified encroachments on 21 natural streams and 144 drains throughout the city.
The encroachments, which include unauthorized constructions and improper installations of pipelines, have led to significant waterlogging and flood-like conditions in several areas after heavy rains.
The city has 144 natural drains, ranging from 2 to 11 meters in width and covering a distance of 100 kilometers. These drains flow into the Pavana, Mula, and Indrayani rivers.
However, unauthorized constructions have taken place on these drains, causing blockages and hindering the flow of water. In the newly developed and incorporated villages, natural drains have been filled in with pipelines.
In some places, buildings have been constructed directly over the drains. This has led to frequent blockages in sewage pipelines, improper drainage during the monsoon, water entering residential areas, and waterlogging on roads and in underpasses.
As a result, the city's water drainage department conducted a survey of natural streams and drains. The survey found that encroachments and constructions were obstructing the flow of water in 21 natural streams and drains, leading to water entering citizens' homes during this year's monsoon.
Smaller Diameter Pipes:
Some builders, after obtaining no-objection certificates from the building department, have buried natural streams and drains with pipes. The underground pipes have a smaller diameter, and with heavy rainfall in a short period, water does not drain properly.
This causes sewage pipes to become blocked. Since the pipes are not cleaned, the flow of water is obstructed, leading to waterlogging in low-lying areas.
Encroachments and unauthorized constructions were found on 21 streams and drains in the city. Soil, stones, and garbage were found in the sewage pipelines, and some pipelines were damaged.
Sanjay Kulkarni, the co-city engineer of the water drainage department, stated that action will be taken against the encroachments.
