As Pune braces for the upcoming monsoon season, confusion has arisen over the responsibility for flood prevention work in the city’s newly merged villages.
The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) and Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) are locked in a debate over who should manage the urgent task of addressing encroachments on nullahs and waterlogging spots in these areas. With the monsoon season fast approaching, this dispute has raised concerns about the city’s preparedness for the impending rains. In March 2023, following discussions between PMC and PMRDA officials, a plan was devised to remove encroachments from nullahs and mitigate waterlogging in the 23 villages that were merged with Pune Municipal Corporation. The merging of these villages was intended to streamline infrastructure development and make the area more integrated with the city. However, it has resulted in a significant jurisdictional confusion.
PMC, seeking to avoid the severe flooding that plagued certain parts of the city last year, has requested PMRDA to address encroachments on 189 spots along the nullahs (drains) and remedy 125 waterlogging areas. The need for swift action was identified last year after a joint survey between the two bodies, where it became clear that proper stormwater drainage plans had not been implemented in these areas. During the inspection, officials noted several vulnerable spots that could cause serious flooding if left unchecked. The issue lies in the fact that while PMRDA has previously been involved in urban planning and granting construction permits, the newly merged villages are now under the jurisdiction of PMC, which holds responsibility for local infrastructure, including stormwater management. PMRDA, however, has made it clear that since the villages now fall under PMC’s purview, the latter should take charge of the flood control work. This shift in responsibility has created a grey area in terms of accountability, as the two bodies continue to point fingers at each other.
A recent meeting chaired by an additional commissioner of PMC aimed to clarify the situation. During this meeting, it was decided that immediate steps should be taken to remove encroachments and prevent flooding, but the lack of clear delineation of responsibilities continues to impede progress. PMC’s drainage department has emphasized that PMRDA has been issuing building permits in the merged villages without considering the impact of these constructions on the existing drainage infrastructure, which has contributed to worsening waterlogging problems. On the other hand, PMRDA has stated that it lacks the necessary resources and machinery to deal with the flooding or remove the encroachments in the nullahs. According to officials from PMRDA, their role is confined to urban planning, and they do not have the mandate to address issues related to drainage and waterlogging in these newly incorporated villages. In essence, PMRDA has laid the blame squarely at PMC’s doorstep, asserting that it is now the responsibility of the civic body to take action.
In response, PMC officials argue that while they are responsible for drainage and stormwater management, PMRDA’s role in urban development remains crucial. They have pointed out that PMRDA continues to issue construction permits without checking whether the planned developments are encroaching upon stormwater drains or contributing to waterlogging. As a result, officials claim that without proper coordination between the two bodies, the situation will only worsen, especially during the monsoon. Adding to the confusion, a senior PMC official revealed that despite years of efforts to address stormwater drainage and waterlogging in these newly merged villages, there has been a lack of comprehensive GIS mapping and long-term planning. The official argued that PMC is attempting to rectify the situation by integrating the available data, but this requires time and cooperation from PMRDA.
Urban planning experts have raised concerns about the delay in flood mitigation measures in these villages. Some experts believe that the conflict between the two authorities could lead to severe consequences for citizens, particularly during the monsoon. There are fears that unless the two bodies come to a resolution, the vulnerable population in these areas will suffer from increased waterlogging and related health hazards. One expert noted that the urban areas of Pune are becoming more vulnerable to flooding as a result of inadequate drainage planning, rapid urbanization, and poor coordination between urban planning bodies. The issue is also complicated by the fact that the state government has scrapped the development plan (DP) previously prepared by PMRDA. This means that many of the plans and strategies put in place for flood prevention and infrastructure development in the newly merged villages are now in limbo, further complicating matters.
Despite these challenges, the local residents have started to voice their concerns. Community leaders have called for more transparency and collaboration between PMC and PMRDA, with some urging the civic body to ensure that no new construction occurs until the flood mitigation measures are fully in place. Local residents have also pointed out that the failure to act promptly may result in significant damage to property and public infrastructure, particularly in areas prone to waterlogging. In the coming weeks, it will be crucial for both PMC and PMRDA to resolve their differences and work together to implement effective flood prevention measures. With the monsoon season fast approaching, time is of the essence, and residents are anxiously waiting to see which authority will step up to take the lead in safeguarding their homes from flooding. If these issues are not addressed swiftly, it could have serious consequences for the residents of Pune’s newly merged villages.
While the jurisdictional debate between PMC and PMRDA continues, the onus is on both authorities to prioritize the well-being of the citizens and ensure that appropriate flood prevention measures are taken. The future of Pune’s flood mitigation efforts depends on the ability of these two bodies to cooperate and resolve their differences for the greater good of the city.
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