Pune: Due to the blockage of a natural drain in the Katkewadi area of Wagholi, water entered several homes, leading to power outages and the displacement of residents.
The MSEDCL (Mahavitaran) transformer was submerged, causing an immediate shutdown of electricity. One house's wall collapsed, but there were no injuries. The situation was alleviated when a JCB excavator broke through the concrete blockage, allowing water to flow away.
Floodwaters from the Pune Nagar Highway have been inundating open spaces and homes in Katkewadi. The submerged transformer caused a power outage, and a collapsing wall and a tree fire added to the distress.
For the past four to five days, residents have been dealing with flooded homes, power outages, displacement, and an increase in mosquitoes and pests.
Two people were injured in an unrelated incident in Wagholi, further aggravating the situation. On Monday (August 5), Shantaram Katke of the 34 Village Development Committee inspected the area and contacted various authorities to request water removal.
On Tuesday (August 6), Ashok Pawar also inspected the area and spoke with affected residents. Senior officials from the municipal corporation, Public Works Department, PMRDA, and police were called to the site.
The concrete blockage was removed using a JCB, and plans were made to install a stormwater drain. The Wagholi Circle Officer was instructed to document the damage to the houses.
Six houses were surveyed, and charges will be filed against those responsible for the blockage. Installing a stormwater drain is expected to resolve the issue, Pawar and Katke stated.
