Pune: The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has commenced a large-scale evacuation operation, relocating 50 families from the Patil Estate slums to safer locations, such as the PMC colony, on Thursday morning. Buses have been deployed for this purpose, and further relocations are underway, as confirmed by PMC officials. The PMC has sought assistance from the army and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) to manage the escalating situation. “Manpower has been deployed across different parts of the city for the evacuation, especially in the low-lying areas,” a PMC official stated.
The civic administration has identified 39 critical locations where citizen relocation needs to be prioritised during heavy rains. Arrangements for the day-to-day needs of the displaced residents have been made at 41 municipal schools. Residents have been instructed to be ready for potential relocations, with handouts distributed across these vulnerable areas. The decision to move residents will be based on river water levels and the likelihood of flooding in their properties. A public announcement system is in place to provide real-time information about water discharge and potential flash floods. Additionally, vehicles parked along river banks have been advised to be moved to safer locations.
According to the PMC, areas such as the Rajput slums, Pulachi Wadi, Patil Estates, Ambil Odha, Parvati, Dattawadi, parts of Sinhagad Road, Katraj, Karve Nagar, Narayan Peth, Kasba Peth, and Bopodi are particularly prone to flooding due to their proximity to the river. These areas will see the relocation of residents as a precautionary measure. Annually, approximately 300 families are relocated from these flood-prone zones. The current flood situation has necessitated swift and coordinated action from the PMC to ensure the safety and well-being of Pune’s residents. The civic body has been proactive in identifying and preparing for such emergencies, demonstrating its commitment to mitigating the impact of natural disasters on vulnerable populations.
The PMC’s efforts highlight the importance of disaster preparedness and community resilience. By implementing structured evacuation plans and collaborating with other authorities, the PMC aims to manage the crisis effectively and minimise the disruption caused by the floods. As the situation develops, continuous monitoring and timely interventions will be crucial in safeguarding the affected communities and restoring normalcy to the city.
