Two years after the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) committed to allocating ₹50 crore annually to Pune under the Urban Flood Mitigation Programme, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) remains in a funding limbo. The NDMA had approved the financial support starting from the 2021-22 fiscal year, but the PMC has yet to receive any of the promised funds.
Compounding the issue, the civic administration took an entire year to formulate and submit an expenditure plan to the central government, eventually forwarding their proposal in 2022. This delay has raised concerns about the efficacy and responsiveness of the city’s disaster management strategies, especially in the face of increasing urban flood risks.
Urban flooding has emerged as a significant threat to major cities, disrupting civic life and essential services. The financial and infrastructural damages caused by these floods necessitate a coordinated response from both state and municipal authorities. Recognising the severity of the issue, the 15th Finance Commission recommended targeted funding for seven cities, including Pune, with NDMA endorsing an annual allocation of ₹50 crore for each city until 2026.
An official from the PMC’s disaster management cell stated, “We submitted a ₹357-crore proposal to NDMA last year detailing the works planned under the programme. We are expecting to get funds for the last two years together.”
The civic body’s comprehensive proposal outlines critical projects across the road, drainage, and river improvement sectors. These projects are integral to enhancing the city’s resilience against urban flooding and are aligned with the broader project agreements under the NDMA’s programme.
Pune has a history of severe rainfall incidents causing extensive damage. Notably, on September 25, 2019, torrential rains led to the Ambil Odha stream overflowing, resulting in the tragic loss of 26 lives and significant property damage. Such incidents underscore the urgent need for effective flood mitigation measures.
The delay in fund allocation raises questions about the central and state governments’ commitment to disaster management. As urban floods continue to pose a growing threat, timely financial support and efficient project implementation are crucial. The PMC’s delay in submitting the expenditure plan and the subsequent hold-up in receiving funds highlight the bureaucratic challenges that can impede disaster preparedness and response.
The PMC’s ongoing wait for NDMA funds underscores a critical gap in the city’s flood mitigation efforts. With urban flooding becoming an increasingly pressing issue, the need for swift and decisive action has never been more evident. The timely release and utilisation of these funds are imperative to safeguarding Pune’s infrastructure and its residents from future flood-related disasters.
