Pune: Municipal Commissioner Dr. Rajendra Bhosale has blamed concretization of internal roads of residential societies for causing waterlogging on main roads in the city. Dr. Bhosale said to alleviate waterlogging, there is a need to excavate trenches within societies for water drainage.
Over the past eight days, Pune experienced heavy rainfall twice, overwhelming the drainage capacity of the city within just half an hour. The city witnessed chaotic scenes of inundation, roads turned into streams, with water levels ranging from ankle-deep to waist-deep in various areas.
Many homes and shops were inundated, with water entering through doors and windows. Encroachments on nullahs, drainage systems, neglect of drainage cleaning during monsoons, and the installation of fiber optic cables through drainage lines contributed to the water overflowing onto roads.
Dr. Rajendra Bhosale conducted an inspection on June 10 to assess the waterlogging situation. He mentioned that efforts are being made to rectify the situation, including the clearance of drains, embankments, and encroachments. Immediate action was initiated by the municipality following the waterlogging, with prompt deployment of resources to areas most affected.
Night duty officials have been appointed to coordinate disaster management efforts across the city. Engineers from the municipal corporation's disaster management cell have been tasked with overseeing operations from 8 PM to 8 AM.
They will work in coordination with 15 regional offices under the jurisdiction of the disaster management cell to provide assistance where needed and issue directives accordingly. Dr. Bhosale emphasized that a designated officer will be present at the designated location every night to oversee these efforts.
Pune city has received record-break rainfall in last few days. The heavy downpour turned city roads in rivers with many areas reporting significant waterlogging in low-lying regions and parking basements.
Torrential rains and subsequent waterlogging wreaked havoc on Baner Road, Nagar Road, Jangli Maharaj Road, and Satara Road. Sinhagad Road and surrounding neighborhoods bore the brunt of rising water levels, inundating homes in low-lying areas. According to officials from the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), the Shivajinagar area experienced its highest 24-hour rainfall in June since 1991. Furthermore, Pune received a staggering 64 percent of its average June rainfall in just one day.
