Pune Municipal Commissioner Dr. Rajendra Bhosale has pointed fingers at the Water Resources Department for the recent flooding in Pune.
The department had announced on social media that water would be released into the river, but the actual discharge was higher than stated.
The department claims that increased inflow from open catchment areas caused the higher discharge, but the India Meteorological Department's data contradicts this, showing only 51 to 55 mm of rainfall in the open catchment areas on the night in question.
Dr. Bhosale has revealed that the Water Resources Department will need to provide a detailed explanation to the District Collector. This development shifts responsibility for the flood situation firmly onto the Irrigation Department.
MP Murlidhar Mohol had criticized the state Water Resources Department for floods in Pune, citing a lack of coordination and failure to properly inform residents before releasing large amounts of water from the Khadakwasla dam. Mohol had emphasized that no one will be spared and an investigation will be conducted in this matter.
In response to the flooding, the Municipal Corporation plans to install CCTV cameras in flood-prone areas and set up rain gauges to measure rainfall.
The fire department and police will assist in raising public awareness about flood risks, with warnings issued via microphones on rickshaws and other measures to be explored.
The riverbank development project, particularly in the Bund Garden area, has faced criticism for obstructing water flow and contributing to the recent floods.
While the Municipal Commissioner refrained from commenting directly, he stated that the project had received necessary approvals and assured a thorough review and investigation into the matter.
