Several areas in Pune have experienced waterlogging following recent pre-monsoon showers. With the India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicting above-average rainfall this year, a pertinent question arises: is the administration prepared to tackle flooding similar to what the city witnessed last year?
Be ready for floods
Pune Divisional Commissioner Dr Chandrakant Pulkundwar recently held a meeting to review monsoon preparedness. He directed all departments to be fully equipped for potential flood situations and to prioritise comprehensive disaster management planning.
He stressed the importance of inter-departmental coordination at the district level and instructed officials to ensure the availability of essential medicines and food grains at fair price shops.
He also highlighted the need for measures to provide clean drinking water during floods and maintain transport and mobility during heavy rainfall. "Emergency response teams like the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) must remain operational around the clock during the monsoon," he added.
₹30 crore to strengthen flood risk measures
Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation and Cooperation Murlidhar Mohol announced that the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) will receive ₹30 crore under the National Disaster Management Scheme to mitigate urban flood risks.
The Pune MP noted that monsoon preparedness activities, including nullah and drain cleaning, are nearing completion. He said the PMC has identified 201 chronic waterlogging spots, following the merger of 32 villages. “The civic administration has already addressed 117 spots, and work on the remaining 84 will be completed before the monsoon arrives,” he said.
