Pune: Over the past two days, heavy rainfall has lashed the city, leading to widespread flooding in several housing societies. The homes of daily waste collectors have also been affected.
In Shivajinagar’s Patil Estate slum, the residences of waste pickers were inundated, forcing more than half of the 600 residents to seek emergency shelter in nearby schools.
As a result, Pune’s daily doorstep garbage collection service by 'Swachh' is likely to face interruptions for the next two days.
The relentless downpour on Thursday caused water to enter the homes of waste pickers in the city's low-lying areas, turning the entire locality into a waterlogged zone.
With most waste pickers busy salvaging their household items, they were unable to carry out their usual garbage collection duties. Following administrative directives, emergency relocation was necessary to ensure their safety.
Consequently, 'Swachh' has announced potential service disruptions, urging citizens to cooperate and assist the waste pickers directly if required, thus reinforcing their support for the community during this challenging time.
The relocation, organized by the municipal administration, places affected families in Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar School (PMC Colony), N.T. Wadi School No. 47, Major Rane School (Sangamwadi), Khashaba Jadhav School (Wakadewadi), and Apte Prashala (Pulachiwadi). Assistant Commissioner of Shivajinagar Ghole Road, Ravi Khandare, confirmed the arrangements for accommodation and meals.
However, the evacuation process faced significant hurdles. Floodwaters inundated Patil Estate late at night, prompting an emergency relocation effort.
Despite this, heavy rains and administrative confusion delayed the distribution of school keys, leaving residents stranded. Social workers had to temporarily accommodate them in a temple.
Additionally, there were no buses available at night, forcing some residents to rely on rickshaws or walk through the rain to reach the schools.
